AWC English department presents digital storytelling contest

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Western College (AWC) English Department is hosting its first-ever Digital Storytelling Contest for students, staff and faculty to showcase their artistic talents.

Anyone who enters the contest can submit their digital stories for a chance to win an award.

There will be three $250 awards for the top digital stories from students who are enrolled in courses for the upcoming academic semester.

An additional grand prize will be awarded.

What's included in digital storytelling is the use of audio, video or image-based visual tools to write, create and communicate a captivating story.

Contesters can utilize podcasts, audio storytelling, video of any kind to create documentary shorts or Youtube videos or demonstrate graphic storytelling using comics, photostories and infographics.

“Digital storytelling is unique in the way that it touches its audience through the use of an individual’s creativity, composing, and digital media skills,” said AWC Professor of English Trisha Campbell. “We hope to bolster the academic pursuits of our storytellers through scholarships and to also connect the community with their work.”

Participants must submit their digital stories by Thursday, April 14 at 8 p.m. to Professor Trisha Campbell and Professor Eric Lee.

Per AWC contest rules, content can be uploaded to SoundCloud, Vimeo, OneDrive or Google Drive and the link should be shared via email, including a title and brief synopsis.

AWC says categories for entries include:

• Stories of STEM: This category amplifies the stories of those in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  
• Stories of Us: This category is for the stories about what makes us who we are—our identities, how we fit into the world, our efforts toward a just society. 
• Stories of the News: This category focuses on stories from those who collect, write and share the newsworthy tales of today.
• Stories on the Job: This category highlights the stories from the business and professional world told as a story. 
• Stories about Everything: This “wild card” category includes any experience, concept, event or persuasive argument told as a story.

Winners will showcase their projects and receive awards from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 on the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Avenue 8E.