In the world of scholarships, creativity isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Most scholarship opportunities require essays, GPA achievements, or standardized test scores. But what if you could win a $15,000 college scholarship just by designing your own prom outfit made entirely of duct tape?
That’s exactly what the Stuck At Prom® Scholarship Contest by Duck® Brand offers. This competition is one of the most unique scholarships out there, rewarding high school students who turn tape into fashion in the most creative ways possible.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the contest, and the stakes are high. With big cash prizes available, contestants need ingenuity, patience, and a strategy to impress the judges.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to enter, to past winner insights, tips to boost your chances, and the prizes at stake. If you’re a high school student looking for financial aid for college, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and secure funding for your education.
What Is the Stuck At Prom® Scholarship Contest?
Since 2001, Duck® Brand has hosted the Stuck At Prom® Scholarship Contest, encouraging students to design and wear their own prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape®. Contestants submit their prom outfits and compete for cash scholarships, with $15,000 awarded to the top winners in both the Dress and Tuxedo categories.
What makes this contest special is its emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship—students are judged not on academics but on their ability to transform a roll of tape into wearable fashion. Over the years, winners have created stunning gowns, intricate tuxedos, and even themed outfits that showcase artistic storytelling.
Entry Period and Timeline for 2025 Contest
The entry period for the 2025 Stuck At Prom® Scholarship Contest is from: March 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT → June 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT
Students must submit before the deadline to be eligible for cash prizes.
How to Enter the Contest
The contest has a simple three-step process:
Step 1: Create Your Duck Tape® Prom Outfit
- Use Duck® Brand Duct Tape or Duck® Brand Crafting Tape to design a dress or tuxedo.
- Get creative—the best designs often incorporate bold colors, intricate patterns, and innovative shapes.
- Ensure the outfit is fully wearable. Take high-resolution photos that showcase your design in detail.
Step 2: Submit Your Entry
- Fill out the online entry form with required details.
- Upload at least one high-quality image of yourself wearing your Duck Tape® outfit.
- If you are under 18, get parental permission for the photography release.
- After submission, expect a confirmation email for verification.
Step 3: Vote for Your Favorite Entries
- Once the Top 10 finalists are selected, the public can vote for their favorite designs.
- You can opt-in with your email address to receive updates on voting rounds.
Prizes: How Much Can You Win?
Contestants compete for cash scholarships in two main categories:
Grand Prize Winners
- Dress Grand Prize: $15,000 scholarship for the top Dress design.
- Tux Grand Prize: $15,000 scholarship for the top Tuxedo design.
Runners-Up Scholarships
- Dress Runners-Up: Four winners receive $1,000 cash scholarships + Duck® Brand Prize Pack ($100 value).
- Tux Runners-Up: Four winners receive $1,000 cash scholarships + Duck® Brand Prize Pack ($100 value).
Judges’ Choice Awards
- Three top finalists (aside from grand prize winners) will receive an additional $1,000 cash scholarship.
Winning isn’t just about financial aid—it’s also a valuable recognition that can boost a student’s portfolio for future design-related careers.
Past Winners: What Did It Take to Win?
Over the past two decades, some of the most impressive entries have been those that push boundaries in creativity and execution.
Standout Past Winners
- Detailed, sculpted gowns resembling Hollywood runway designs.
- Themed tuxedos showcasing pop culture, history, or storytelling through art.
- Outfits with dynamic elements, like multi-layered skirts and 3D textures.
What Judges Look For
- Originality: Designs that stand out and innovate beyond the usual.
- Craftsmanship: Clean, well-assembled pieces showing strong design execution.
- Use of Duck Tape®: The more creative, the better—using Duck Tape® in unexpected ways earns extra points.
Successful contestants often prepare weeks in advance—sketching designs, choosing colors wisely, and practicing with different taping techniques before assembling their final outfit.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning
1. Think Outside the Box
- Bold colors, unexpected textures, and theme-based designs stand out.
- Consider storytelling—your outfit should reflect an idea or concept.
2. Take Professional Photos
- Well-lit, high-resolution images increase appeal and help judges see details.
- Include multiple angles to highlight intricate elements of your design.
3. Strengthen Construction
- Weakly built outfits may tear or look sloppy—focus on clean taping techniques.
- Use layers of tape strategically to build durable shapes.
⏳ 4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
- Many past winners started working months before the deadline.
- Sketch ideas, test designs, and refine every detail for maximum impact.
5. Get Feedback Before Submitting
- Ask friends, teachers, or family for feedback on the outfit.
- Sometimes small tweaks can elevate the final result significantly.
Final Thoughts: Should You Enter?
If you’re a creative student looking for a scholarship without essay requirements, this competition is one of the best options out there. With $15,000 scholarships up for grabs, crafting an eye-catching prom outfit could be the perfect way to fund college tuition.
Even if you don’t win, participating allows you to hone design skills, showcase innovation, and gain valuable experience in crafting wearable art. Plus, entering a unique contest like this can make a student’s college application stand out.
Want to learn more? Visit the official Duck® Brand Stuck At Prom® website for entry forms, FAQs, and updates on previous winners.
So, are you ready to turn tape into tuition money? Grab your Duck Tape®, start designing, and make this 25th anniversary edition one to remember!
