CASI Launches 2026 Student Scholarship & Contest Season

On September 9 at the Carmel Barnyard, CASI will unveil its 2026 Student Scholarship program—anticipated to double in number from 2025—and officially kick off its annual creative contests. Alongside the returning Art and Writing Contests, this year introduces an exciting new category: the Student Film Contest. Students, teachers, and parents are warmly invited to attend this free launch event. Submittals to the 2026 Contests will be due in the first quarter of 2026.

Art Contest:

Katie Bruzzone, CASI’s Director of Youth Programs, will present the updated Art Contest and lead a collaborative brainstorming session to generate themes students are passionate about—particularly those aimed at creating awareness and inspiring change. This year, the contest will feature an expanded mentoring program, co-designed with participants at the event. Katie will also share insights from her creative journey, including the release of her latest book and her path to publication.

Writing Contest:

Attendees will learn about the enhanced Student Writing Contest, including mentoring opportunities, topic development timelines, and the final submission date in early 2026. Mentors will offer a wide range of topic ideas, along with practical tools for outlining and structuring a compelling paper. This event will allow students to suggest writing topics and get immediate feedback from mentors.

Film Contest:

For the first time, CASI will host a Student Film Contest, encouraging works of intellectual depth and meaningful storytelling over purely entertainment-focused projects. Keynote speaker is Hollywood filmmaker Stephen Altman. Kcipants will be introduced to key filming and editing techniques, with select early entrants receiving special access to a major live CASI event and exclusive opportunities to film featured speakers.

Cost: Free for all students, teachers, and parents, as well as CASI Members (otherwise $20 for members of the public).

Extras: Complimentary refreshments provided.

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