Washington Media Scholars Foundation Media Plan Case Competition offers scholarship and networking opportunities for undergraduates interested in strategic media sales, research, planning and placement. Starting March 1, 2011, college students nationwide have an opportunity to compete for one of 12 all-expense paid trips to Washington, D.C.

The Washington Media Scholars Case Competition challenges college undergraduates to create the best strategic media plan for a hypothetical public policy campaign.

Each team acts as combined campaign manager and media buying strategist, receiving the same hypothetical referendum issue, advertising costs, poll numbers, target audiences and media costs. Teams have until April 18, 2011, to register and submit their media plans using the given data.

The foundation flies a dozen finalists – six teams of two students – to Washington, D.C., for Media Scholars Week (June 5-10, 2011). During their time in the nation's capital, students participate in a series of educational and networking events.

In those meetings students have the chance to meet, interact with and learn from leading Washington area media organizations, advertising agencies and media buying companies.

The foundation hosts a networking reception at the end of Media Scholars Week where more than 250 industry executives from across the country witness the announcement of the Media Scholars Case Competition winners. Each member of the winning team receives $3,000 in scholarships. Members of the second place team both receive $2,000 in scholarships.

"We started the Media Scholars Program to emphasize the important role public affairs professionals play in developing public policy campaigns and media plans, and to encourage students to pursue careers in this field," said Robin D. Roberts, president of the Washington Media Scholars Foundation.

For more information and to register to compete, visit www.mediascholars.org.