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Contests

The Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I Have a Dream, Too..." Contest

2025

Dr. King had a dream...and so do you.

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Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with our special contest dedicated to the power of dreams and determination. Inspired by Dr. King's vision and perseverance, we're asking participants to share their own dreams and the actionable steps they're taking to achieve them. ​

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Your story could inspire others- and help you take a step closer to your ideal future!

Contest Description

Share your vision for the future by describing a dream or goal you aspire to achieve. Paint a picture of your ideal future and outline the concrete steps you'll take to make it a reality. Be as specific and detailed as possible to help us see your vision through your eyes. â€‹
 

Timeline

Dates:

  • Application opens: January 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM PST

  • Application closes: January 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST

  • Video Submissions Posted: January 18-20, 2025 (via Instagram)​​

  • Winners Announced: January 20, 2025 (by email and Instagram)​​

Eligibility

  • Contest open to all high school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12.

  • Participants must attend a high school located in Southern California.

  • All applicants must have a teacher or faculty member sponsor them to be eligible. The sponsor must agree to be contacted by the organization if the student places in the competition. 

  • Verification of enrollment, eligibility, and sponsor information may be required (e.g., school ID, sponsor’s contact details).

Rewards

  • ​1st place: $300 to the winner and a $50 Amazon gift card for the sponsoring teacher. ​

  • 2nd place: $200 to the recipient and a $50 Amazon gift card for the sponsoring teacher. ​

  • 3rd place: $100 to the recipient and a $50 Amazon gift card for the sponsoring teacher. ​

  • Winners will be announced on the DreamTree Instagram page on MLK Day, January 20, 2025.

Participation Limit

  • ​The contest is limited to a maximum of 500 participants.

  • Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the limit is reached, no additional entries will be accepted. 

Submission Types

​​​​Participants can choose one of the following formats for their submission: 

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Written Response

  • Must start with the phrase: "I have a dream..." (these words do not count toward the word limit). ​

  • 250 words max.

  • Responses must be in English. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar will be considered during judging.

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Video Submission

  • Must include the phrase "I have a dream..." somewhere in the video. 

  • Limited to 1 minute and 30 seconds (1:30) 

  • The participant is not required to appear in the video. 

  • Videos may be edited or polished as long as all content rightfully belongs to the applicant. 

  • Participants may link to a Youtube video (ensure "public" sharing settings) or an Instagram video. 

Grading Criteria 

Submissions will be graded on the following, with a total out of 100 points: 

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  • Clarity of Vision/Dream (1-25 points)​

    • How clearly and vividly is the dream described? 

  • Clarity of Explanation (1-25 points)

    • How well does the participant explain the steps to achieve their dream? 

  • Feasibility of Steps (1-25 points)

    • Are the steps specific, measurable, realistic and actionable? 

  • Enthusiasm and Authenticity (1-25 points)

    • Does the submission convey passion and sincerity?

Additional Information

  1. Release of Liability: By participating, applicants release DreamTree from any liability and waive rights to ownership of any content generated or submitted for this contest. 

  2. Parental Permission: Participants under 18 years of age must provide parental permission allowing DreamTree to post videos or pictures of their child to the organization’s website or social media platforms for marketing or other promotional purposes. 

  3. Tax Implications: Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes on prize winnings.

  4. No Entrant Fee is required for the MLK, Jr. "I Have a Dream, Too" contest. 

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