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Welcome to Our Next Chapter!
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Competition Levels
This competition is open to middle school and high school students
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Middle School Students
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High School Students
Content Alignment Policy
This is a contest focused on expressing financial literacy through creativity. To ensure fairness and consistency, only concepts taught in The Awesometeam Foundation workshops are allowed. Submissions based on outside concepts or unrelated material will not be considered.
✅ All submissions must be original. Plagiarism or AI-generated content will result in disqualification.
✅ All entries must be submitted via the official online form.
✅ All concepts must originate from the contestant; parents or guardians may offer guidance but should not coach or create any part of the submission.
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASSES AVAILABLE THROUGH ZOOM
Weekend classes are conducted by The Awesome Team Foundation.
Registration and a selfie are not required for these sessions.
Please note that classes begin on March 29 to April 19 at 7 PM EST and will be held every Sunday. Please plan your classes, creation of entry, and submission accordingly.
General Submission Policy
Your art/content piece submission must include the following:
🔶 1. Artist Statement
Submit a 100–250-word statement explaining the meaning or reasoning behind your piece.
🎨 2. Art/Content Piece Requirements
Your creative piece must:
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Address why financial literacy matters today.
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Share your personal connection and story.
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Relate to at least one of the Workshops/Classes.
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Include citations if quoting material from the workshops.
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Be engaging, creative, persuasive, and informative.
Use the 5 judges’ scoring guidelines as your reference.
📅 Important Dates
📢 Entry Submission Deadline: May 11, 2026
🏆Judging Day: To Be Decided.
🏆 Awarding Day: May 17, 2026. You, your family, and guests presence are highly encouraged.
📍 Location: The Standard Club (6230 Abbotts Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097)
📍 If you live outside the Metro Atlanta, GA area, please check with the person who invited you about your designated awarding location.
📍Join the awarding through Zoom if you don't have an awarding location or office. Details to follow.
Entry Piece Standards
Award Categories & Guidelines
Your piece will be evaluated by a panel of 3 judges. Please review the judges' scoring guidelines below.
Awards may include plaques, certificates, and gifts and cash prizes from our current prize pool of over $3,000.
Awarding of winners will take place in The Standard Club or your designated Zoom location for out-of-town participants. **Please keep an eye on your email for the official results.
🎖 Participation Award for all the contestants. Thank you for being part of this competition; we so much appreciate your entry.
🥇 Major Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category per competition level. – Based on judges’ evaluation.
Let your voice be heard and your creativity seen.
Judges' Scoring Guideline (100 pts total)
1. Clarity & Relevance of Message – 20 Points
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Clearly communicates why financial literacy matters today
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Addresses real-life financial challenges or scenarios
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Stays relevant to the audience and current issues
2. Personal Connection & Voice – 20 Points
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Demonstrates a personal story, insight, or motivation
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Reflects authenticity and originality
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Connects personal experience to financial literacy in a meaningful way
3. Creativity & Expression – 20 Points
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Uses art, language, or video elements creatively to express the message
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Engages the viewer/reader emotionally or intellectually
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Presents the concept in a unique, compelling, or artistic way
4. Educational Value & Impact – 20 Points
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Effectively informs or inspires others about financial literacy
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Presents useful or empowering information
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Leaves a lasting impression or call to action
5. Connection to Workshop Concepts – 20 Points
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Integrates one or more ideas from the EmpowerED Workshops
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EmpowerED Workshop 1: Savings and Budgeting
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EmpowerED Workshop 2: Smart Spending, Credit & Debt
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EmpowerED Workshop 3: Learn to Earn & Invest
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EmpowerED Workshop 4: Preparing for College Financially
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Art Materials & Resources
This is your time to get creative and shine—use what you have, think outside the box, let your imagination lead the way, and let your voice shine!
Participants are responsible for providing their own art materials, tools, and supplies needed to create their submissions.
**Necessary guideline adjustments may occur without prior notice**
EmpowerED 2026 is proudly organized by The Awesome Team Foundation in celebration of the National Financial Literacy Campaign movement, committed to empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources to achieve financial independence.
© 2023 T.A.T. FOUNDATION | THEAWESOMETEAM.ORG