“Rural Kansas…Creating a Culture for Entrepreneurs”

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) invites high school seniors to prepare an original work based on the theme “Rural Kansas…Creating a Culture for Entrepreneurs.”

Rural Kansas has always been occupied by residents with an entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit keeps small towns vital, provides necessary goods and services and is displayed in unique and effective development programs. Examples of successful entrepreneurs are all around us. What is necessary to develop an entrepreneurial culture so that businesses in a community can develop and flourish?

Contestants may enter by submitting a written essay or a short video.

Any senior in high school who lives in and/or is attending a public or private high school which district falls in the 12 county NCPRC service area – Cloud, Washington, Clay, Lincoln, Ellsworth, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Jewell, Republic, Saline, Dickinson.  Home school students in this same area may also participate.

Click Here for Announcement Flyer

Click Here for Registration Form

Awards

• Web-based publication at the EyeonKansas.org site to winning entries.
• Two cash awards of $850 each to students with winning entries (non-renewable; one award for each category).

Criteria for submission

• One entry per contestant.
• All entries must be submitted electronically.
• Must include registration form with entry.
• Must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2011.*
• Employees of NCRPC and immediate family members of NCRPC employees are not eligible. Original entries may be in the form of a written essay or a short video.

*We suggest keeping a copy of the sent email so there is proof of a date mark prior to November 15, 2011, 11:59PM in case technical difficulties arise. Late entries without such proof will not be considered. Receipt confirmation may also be obtained by emailing the contest coordinator at lthielen@nckcn.com.

Details for Written Entries:

• Written documents should be double spaced and at least 12 point font, with one-inch margins.
• Entry must be at least 1,000 words and may be fiction or non-fiction.
• Entry should be reflective of the contest theme.
• Written entries should be saved as a pdf file and submitted electronically to ruralvoices@eyeonkansas.org

Details for Video Entries:

• Videos must be at least three (3) minutes and must not exceed five (5) minutes in length.
• Video essays should be reflective of the contest theme.
• All work must be original, including any photos that may be incorporated into the video.
• If music is used, no copyrighted music can be used without proof of written permission.
• Use of good video technique is encouraged, including the use of a tripod if necessary.
• Video entries should be uploaded to YouTube (www.youtube.com) with a link sent to ruralvoices@eyeonkansas.org.

Sponsored by the North Central Regional Planning Commission. For questions or additional information, please contact Lori Thielen, RuralVoices Contest Coordinator, at lthielen@nckcn.com or 785-738-2218.