On February 16 Walgreens announced, that their Expressions Creative Art contest expands to high school students across the country.
More than 10 years ago Walgreens launched its first Expressions Challenge program to encourage teens to use creative arts as an outlet to manage some of life’s stressful circumstances and to guide students to make better life choices.
Offered only in Chicago and St. Louis, Walgreens worked with high school districts, teachers and guidance counselors to promote the contest to students grades 9-12. This year, for the first time ever, Expressions is being offered nationally.
Submissions are being accepted now through March 31, with 12 winners from three categories to be awarded $2,000 each. Winners will be selected and announced in May 2021.
The Walgreens Expressions Contest
The Walgreens Expressions Challenge program was launched at the suggestion of the Walgreens Community Task Force. The group was alarmed by the rising incidents of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV and AIDS, among high school students ages 14 to 18.
Young people are asked to think about what is having an impact on them to draw inspiration for their entry. Topics can include, but not limited to:
- Gender Identity
- Social Media
- Cyber Bullying
- Self-Esteem
- Dating + Relationships
- Mental Health
- Gun Violence
- Drug Abuse
The participants should to select from one of three categories to submit an entry. Each participant can submit one entry per category solo or with a group of up to five people.
- Spoken Word: Poetry, Short Story
- Visual Arts: Graphic Design, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography,
- Media Arts: Video, PSA, Song/Rap
At its core, the Expressions Challenge is about guiding students to make better life choices about their overall health and well-being. By combining artistic expression with individual student research, Expressions empowers students to positively influence their classmates, school and community. Teens are encouraged to use their voice through art to communicate their perspective on topics including bullying, self-esteem and sexual responsibility.
This Year Program
This year the program includes a Specialty Award category for submissions that explore the impact of COVID-19. The lucky winner of this category will receive $1,000 for the best entry that addresses the effects of the pandemic and the importance of getting vaccinated. Coordinators for the Expressions Challenge program will interact with schools and students virtually through planned digital and social engagements.
“Walgreens believes in supporting and giving back to the communities it serves. In particular, the company has a longstanding commitment to programs that empower youth and help them reach their full potential. The Expressions Challenge is just one of Walgreens many impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. You can read more about Walgreens work with communities and young people on the CSR page of Walgreens Boots Alliance,” – Walgreens said.
“Expressions was created for moments like these. Our country is dealing with the weight of a pandemic that has been so challenging that one can only imagine how young people must feel. Every year, Expressions proves to be more rewarding than the previous year, and Walgreens is pleased to extend this support to teens at a time when our nation could use more compassion and healing,” said John Standley, president, Walgreens.
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