SHARE YOUR STORY $1,000 Grand Prize: AACI and NBC Bay Area Seek Student Artists, Writers, and Filmmakers
ALAMEDA — January 28, 2026 — Local students have a unique opportunity to turn their creativity into cash prizes as the annual Growing Up in America (GUA) contest officially returns for 2026. Hosted by AACI in partnership with NBC Bay Area, this competition has provided a unique platform for youth voices for over 30 years.
The 2026 Theme: Growing Healthy Connections. This year’s contest invites K-12 students across nine Bay Area counties, including Alameda, to explore the relationships that shape their lives. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what makes a connection healthy, safe, and supportive, whether with others or themselves. Students might choose to focus on the essentials of friendship through honest communication and kindness, or how self-acceptance and self-respect help build stronger bonds. Others may explore building bridges across differences in culture, race, and identity, or how these healthy relationships make neighborhoods and schools better places for everyone.
Categories and Prizes The contest is open to all students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Original entries are accepted in three categories including Art, Essay, and Video. Winners will be announced in May, with significant rewards up for grabs including a $1,000 Grand Prize and nine $500 Best in Class awards.
How to Enter The submission portal at www.aaci.org/gua will be open from March 1st through March 15th. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM PDT on the final day. To learn more, view full guidelines, or download the contest flyer in multiple languages, please visit the official website at www.aaci.org/gua