SACRAMENTO – North Coast State Senator Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa) has announced a scholarship contest for California students in grades 6-12 that asks them to write, draw or videotape why they deserve a spot in college.

The contest is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Campaign for College Opportunity. The deadline to enter is March 15.

Students will be asked to answer the question, “Why should California leaders save you and your peers a spot in college?”

Entries may be submitted in writing, in poster form or as a video/television ad. Entries are separated into two levels: grades sixth through eighth, and grades ninth through 12^th.

More than 200 prizes will be split among middle school and high school students, and will range from $500 to $2,500.

“This scholarship contest will serve as an excellent opportunity for students to understand that there is indeed a place for them in college, and that they can succeed through determination and creativity,” Wiggins said.

All entries must be mailed (postmarked) or submitted online by the March 15 deadline to be considered. Students who are 12 years old or younger must have a parent or legal guardian sign their entry forms before mailing them.

“If you submit your written word entry online, you must still mail in a signed entry form postmarked by March 15 to be considered,” Wiggins said.

Entries are judged based on effectiveness of message, ability to attract and hold attention, creativity, accuracy of information, and whether they are clear and compelling.

To learn more, call 800-459-9586 or visit www.collegecampaign.org/contest/rules.html.

Wiggins represents California’s 2nd Senate District, comprised of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}