San Diego County
- Open to youth ages 12-25
- Deadline: September 30, 2022
- Free to participate
- Amazon Gift Cards (up to $300)
- All art forms accepted (visual art, film, written works, TikTok, original music and more)
- September Prompt: Think about what your anchor is when you are going through a tough time. How does it remind you to stay hopeful? Then express it through art, writing, music or film.
- TikTok Challenge: Create a TikTok about what you might add to your own Find Your Anchor box. All TikToks that follow the guidelines receive a $20 gift card and enter to win $100 grand prize!
- Request a Find Your Anchor box for yourself or your classroom! Send an email with the subject “Directing Change” to findyouranchor@gmail.com.
September Monthly Prompt:
Find Your Anchor
Featured Art
For contest rules, submission category details, entry form
and other information visit the contest page.
- Open to Middle, High School and College Students (12-25)
- Deadline: March 1, 2023
- Free to participate
- Cash prizes for youth (up to $1000)
- Regional winners advance to statewide round of judging
- Award Ceremony in May
Submission Categories
- Suicide Prevention
- Mental Health
- Through the Lens of Culture
- Walk in Our Shoes
- Animated Short
- Hope and Justice
Featured Film
For contest rules, submission category details, entry form and other information visit www.DirectingChangeCA.org
Mini Grant Applications for the 2022-23 School Year Now Open!
Schools can apply for mini grants to implement the Directing Change program in a classroom on campus or as part of a youth-led club.
Eligible Organizations: Middle schools, high schools, colleges, community organizations, and youth clubs. Participating youth should be in grades 6-12 or ages 12-25. Public, private, and charter schools and districts are all eligible to apply.
Mini Grant Funding: $1,500
Interested? Submit application by Friday, September 16, 2022: directingchangeca.org/2023-directing-change-mini-grant-application/
San Diego County Students Recognized for Mental health and Suicide Prevention Achievements
The Directing Change Program & Film Contest announced the 2022 regional finalists in the 10th annual student contest encouraging young people to create short films and about suicide prevention and mental health. First place finalists advanced to a statewide round of judging and statewide winners were announced at the virtual award ceremony on May 17, 2022.
- First Place Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Dear Future Me”
- Second Place Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health & Words Matter – TIED: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Fingerprints”
- Second Place Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health & Words Matter – TIED: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Un-Silent”
- Second Place Hope and Justice – Justice: Canyon Hills High School “Missing Kids of Color Diary PSA”
- Third Place Hope and Justice – Hope: Rancho Minerva Middle School “What Are You Waiting For?”
San Diego Access and Crisis Line
Operates 24/7. Call if you are concerned about someone, just need to talk, have questions about how to offer support, or if you are looking for information about community resources, mental health referrals, and alcohol and drug support services.
