The Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest is a unique opportunity for students to not only earn financial support for their college education but also share the stories of people who have significantly impacted their lives. This contest encourages students to reflect on their personal experiences, recognize local individuals who have inspired them, and showcase these influences through a video or written essay. By entering, participants stand a chance to win a college scholarship worth $8,000. In this article, we will explore the essential details of the contest, the entry process, and important deadlines for 2024.
Their Story, Your Voice
Your personal experiences shape who you are, but it’s often the people around you who provide the inspiration and encouragement needed to reach your goals. The Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest offers students the chance to highlight these important figures in their lives. Whether it’s a family member, mentor, or community leader, this contest allows participants to honor those who have made a lasting impact on their journey to success.
The contest focuses on sharing the story of someone you know personally, who lives in your community, and has played a role in helping you gain the confidence to pursue your aspirations. Whether through a written or video essay, this is your chance to express gratitude and appreciation for their guidance.
The Scholarship: What’s at Stake?
The primary reward for entering the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest is a scholarship valued at $8,000. Given the rising cost of higher education, this scholarship can make a significant difference for students as they work toward their academic and career goals.
There are a total of 16 scholarships available, with four scholarships being awarded in each quarter of 2024. Each scholarship is intended to support students by easing the financial burden of tuition fees, books, and other academic expenses.
Contest Details: Four Opportunities to Win
The Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest is structured into four separate Quarterly Contests, with each one covering a three-month period throughout 2024. This means that students have four distinct opportunities to participate, with each quarterly contest offering four scholarships. Below is an overview of the timeline for each quarter:
| Quarterly Contest | Start Date | End Date (11:59:59 PM CT) | Winner Announcement Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q-1 Contest | 02/01/24 | 03/31/24 | 05/31/24 |
| Q-2 Contest | 04/01/24 | 06/30/24 | 08/31/24 |
| Q-3 Contest | 07/01/24 | 09/30/24 | 11/30/24 |
| Q-4 Contest | 10/01/24 | 12/31/24 | 02/28/25 |
For each Quarterly Contest, the deadline to submit your entry is by 11:59:59 PM Central Time on the last day of the quarter. This structure allows students to plan their submission and maximize their chances by participating in more than one contest, provided they meet the entry requirements for each period.
How to Enter: A Step-by-Step Guide
To successfully enter the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest, students must complete a few key steps. The application process is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow the guide below to ensure your application is complete and meets all contest requirements.
1. Complete an Online Quarterly Contest Application
The first step is to fill out the Quarterly Contest application online. You will need to provide essential details, including personal information, contact details, and academic background. Make sure all information is accurate, and remember to use the program key “RidingForward” when prompted.
Since each Quarterly Contest is a separate competition, you must submit a new application for each quarter you wish to enter. The rule limits each applicant to one entry per person, per Quarterly Contest.
2. Prepare Your Written Essay or Video Essay
After completing the application, the next step is to create your Written Essay or Video Essay. The topic for both types of essays is consistent across all four contests: you must write or speak about an individual you know personally, who lives in your community, and who has inspired you to achieve your goals.
Written Essay Guidelines:
- Length: Your written essay must not exceed 500 words.
- Language: The essay must be written in English.
- Originality: The essay must be your own original work, created by you without the use of any artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
- Submission: You can write your essay directly in the application or copy and paste it into the designated area.
Video Essay Guidelines:
- Length: Your video essay must be no longer than 3 minutes.
- File Size and Format: The video should not exceed 1 GB in size, and acceptable formats include MP4, MPG, MOV, AVI, and WMV.
- Content Restrictions: Your video must not include music or any illegal, explicit, or inappropriate material. Videos requiring a password or sign-in to view will be disqualified.
- Submission: Videos must be uploaded directly to the application site. Physical submissions (such as DVDs) will not be reviewed or returned.
Tips for Recording Quality Videos on a Smartphone
For students opting to submit a video essay, here are some helpful tips to ensure your video is clear and professional:
- Don’t shoot vertical video: Always hold your phone horizontally to ensure that the video fits properly on computer screens.
- Use a tripod: Even minor camera movements can disrupt the viewing experience. A tripod helps keep the shot steady.
- Avoid zooming: Moving closer to your subject is better than using the zoom function, which can reduce video quality.
- Use natural lighting: Whenever possible, film in a well-lit area using natural light to avoid harsh shadows or overexposure.
3. Review and Submit Your Application
Once your essay is complete, take time to carefully review your application and essay for any errors. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and the overall clarity of your essay. After confirming all information is correct, submit your Quarterly Contest application before the contest period’s end date.
4. Await Notification
Once the submission window closes, an independent panel of judges will review all eligible entries. These judges are not affiliated with Regions, ensuring an impartial evaluation process. If your entry is selected as one of the winners for the Quarterly Contest, you will be contacted by ISTS (International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc.) with further instructions on how to claim your prize.
Eligibility Requirements: Are You Eligible to Participate?
To enter the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest, participants must meet several eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the contest remains fair and is open to students who can benefit the most from the scholarship. The key eligibility rules are as follows:
- Residency: Participants must be legal U.S. residents of one of the eligible states, which include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
- Age: You must be 16 years or older at the time of entry.
- Academic Status:
- If you are already enrolled in college, you must have at least one year or 18 semester hours remaining before graduation.
- If you are not yet in college, you must plan to begin your freshman year of college no later than the 2025 – 2026 academic year.
- Academic Performance: As of your most recent school enrollment period, you must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0, or be in good academic standing if your school does not provide a GPA.
No Purchase or Banking Relationship Required
One of the significant benefits of the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest is that it is open to everyone who meets the eligibility requirements, regardless of whether they have any prior relationship with Regions bank. No purchase or banking relationship is necessary to enter the contest, which means the scholarship is accessible to a broad range of students who are looking for financial assistance to pursue their education.
Conclusion
The Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest presents a unique opportunity for students to reflect on the individuals who have inspired them while gaining the chance to win a valuable scholarship to further their education. With four separate Quarterly Contests throughout 2024, students can enter multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each quarter. Whether through a written essay or a video submission, students are encouraged to share their story, amplify their voice, and recognize those who have helped them build the confidence to succeed.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and feel inspired by someone in your community, don’t miss the chance to participate in this exciting contest and potentially earn an $8,000 scholarship to support your academic journey.
