In Chicago and all over the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted how people come together for school and work. It has also challenged the health and safety of our communities in new ways. And in communities where racism and other long-standing inequities limited economic opportunities for youth, the pandemic has focused renewed attention on strengthening the paths to upward mobility so that more people and places can prosper.
For this video contest, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago invites you to shine a light on your community.
- How has the pandemic affected you and your community?
- What are the other challenges and opportunities facing your community?
- Who or what in your community has inspired you during the pandemic and why?
There are many different ways to explore these questions and you don’t need to answer all three of them, so find the right tone and use your own voice within the 3 minute time limit. Give us specific examples of the issue you explore and discuss why you think it has important consequences for you and your community. We are all eyes and ears!
Please remember that judges will reward thoughtful and creative messages, persuasive text/talk/images/video, and individuality. See the judging Rubric for more details. You do not need to discuss or reference any research or publications from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. We want to know what YOU think and hear YOUR ideas.
Enter to Win and Join the Conversation
Share Your Ideas, Be Heard
If you are 14 to 18 years old and live or attend school in the city of Chicago, we want to hear your thoughts.
- How has the pandemic affected you and your community?
- What are the other challenges and opportunities facing your community?
- Who or what in your community has inspired you during the pandemic and why?
This is your moment to record your experiences during a time of historic and unprecedented challenges. Your view can help make our communities stronger and create positive change.
How it Works
- Produce a video 1 to 3 minutes long about how the pandemic or another recent event has impacted your community. Deadline: Submit your video by 11:59 pm on April 12, 2021.
- Our panel of judges will evaluate submissions.
Be sure to review the Rules, Checklist and Evaluation Rubric before you start filming.
Prize Categories
- First place, $750
- Second place, $500
- Third place, $300
All winners will attend a virtual awards ceremony and have the opportunity to meet professionals at the Chicago Fed for a virtual discussion on career paths.
If you have any questions, please email Chicago Video Contest.
What Is Project Hometown?
Project Hometown is the Chicago Fed’s commitment to engaging all of our communities as they confront the challenges that limit economic opportunities. Project Hometown will bring together civic leaders, expert researchers, Chicago Fed staff, and concerned residents. Through these diverse perspectives, Project Hometown will examine how our hometowns can recover from the pandemic, overcome longstanding inequities, grow stronger, and provide all people with the opportunity to thrive.
About the Chicago Fed
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks across the United States that, together with the Board of Governors in Washington, DC, serve as the central bank for the nation.
The Chicago Fed serves the Seventh Federal Reserve District, an economically diverse region that includes all of Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The Seventh District has a large national share of many important economic sectors.
Fill out the form to enter the Project Hometown Video Contest and submit a video.
To learn more about the pandemic and other issues in our communities, please visit the Project Hometown section of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago website.
