Prof’s Web Design Contest Promotes Political Participation

The contest, now in its third year, has awarded more than $50,000 in Iowa State University scholarships. This is the third year of the contest, which was created by Steffen Schmidt, Iowa State professor of political science, to increase interest in American government and participation in the political process.

“If we don’t get young people hooked on politics we are going to suffer a serious civic participation crisis in the coming decade,” Schmidt said.

The contest’s grand prize provides a $5,000 scholarship, renewable for four years of undergraduate study at Iowa State. There also are several smaller scholarship awards for semi-finalists. Prizes also are available for teachers who mentor students in the contest.

Information about the contest, and links to sites designed by past winners, can be found here.

Web sites must be designed around topics or subjects covered in an honors or advanced placement high school American government class. The sites are judged on their academic content and perceived ability to raise the level of interest in an American government subject.

The Year 2000 contest was sponsored by Iowa State University, Conversa software, Doctorpolitics.com, Wadsworth Publishing and the Dirksen Congressional Center.

Contact Info:

Steffen Schmidt

Political Science

(515) 294-3825

sws@iastate.edu

Steve Sullivan

News Service

(515) 294-3720

sksulli@iastate.edu