A new competition combining student initiatives and local broadcasters is open nationwide to college communications students, the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) announced last week. Sponsored by NABEF and the McCormick Foundation, the Call to Service Collegiate Competition will give students the opportunity to create a unique community service project that will be highlighted by a partnering local radio or television broadcaster. Winners will be honored during the 2010 NABEF Celebration of Service to America Awards, held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Monday, June 14.

The competition challenges communications students to develop and submit a proposal designed to benefit their local communities. NABEF will select up to 20 submissions to compete for scholarships awards, and will also identify potential broadcast partners for the selected finalists. Additionally, students may choose to partner with their college broadcast stations. Broadcasters will assist with the student community service projects in a variety of ways, including highlighting the project during newscasts, participating in events planned by the student and running PSAs for the event. Throughout the project, students will hone their journalism skills and chronicle their experiences by contributing video blogs with a mini-camcorder provided by NABEF.

Each entry will be judged based on creativity, community involvement and use of media and technology to chronicle the project. First and second place winners will receive free travel accommodations for the 2010 NABEF Celebration of Service to America Awards, where they will be honored for their contributions to their local communities. Additionally, winning entries will receive the scholarships and matched donations listed below:

For additional competition information, click here.