CASI will hold a youth mentoring event at the Carmel Barnyard at four pm on March 2, 2026. We shall have two superb speakers to highlight ideas for the art and writing contests.

Local filmmaker and youth educator Mike Buffo will present an outline, requirements, and orientation for prospective students interested in participating in the First Annual Mini-Documentary Competition. Students will select a local nonprofit to highlight and create a 4-8 minute mini-documentary. Mike will also share sample mini-documentaries and discuss best practices.

Students are encouraged to register early. Registration will be through this Google Form. Registered students will be paired with a CASI youth mentor. The submission deadline is May 11. Awards ceremony is slated for early June.

Artist and coach Katie Bruzzone will speak to reflections on nature and self and provide stimuli for motifs for the student art contest. Admittance to this event is free; complimentary light refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your art or writing project started. Free art canvases will be provided to attendees.

Summary of CASI Scholarship Contest Rules:

All submissions are due by March 31, 2026.

Art Contest:

a. Submitters must be in grades K-12
b. Art may be in any medium (painting, watercolor, photo, sculpture, collage)
c. Size of artwork no larger than 24″x24″
d. Submitter name, email and phone number must be on back of art
e. Except for sculpture, each piece must have wire or string attached for hanging.
f. Art Contest theme: Reflecting upon nature

Writing Contest:

a. Content must be non-fiction. It may be on any subject in science, history, economics,notable biography or other academic topic
b. Must have references, citing author, date and publication source
c. Most submittals will be three to sx pages, but this is just a guideline
d. Must be written in third person (no I or you)
e. Must have student name, email and phone number attached
f . Ideally submittal will be in Google doc format submitted to cmhphysicist@gmail.com
g. Students can be of any school or college level, including recent college grads

Film Contest:

a. Students can be of any school or college level, including recent college grads
b. Ideal length of film should be 30 to 60 minutes (only a guideline)
c. Topic must be non-fiction. Example topics: any science, history, economics, philosophy, architecture, software, notable biography,
d. Film must be submitted in a universal format such a or internet link