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The YXC upload portal has been fully updated and is now live. This update includes the addition of the four (4) sponsored categories, giving creators even more opportunities to submit their work.
The submission system is 100% open and fully operational, and we are now accepting entries across all categories. Whether you’re submitting for the first time or returning with new content, everything is in place to make the process smooth and accessible.
We encourage everyone to explore the updated portal and start uploading. We’re looking forward to reviewing your submissions and celebrating the amazing work from our community.
Starting this year and moving forward, all YXC submissions will be due on the last Friday in February at 11:59 PM HST. This standard deadline will apply to all future submission cycles and is intended to create more consistency and clarity for participants as they plan their projects.
We encourage creators to mark their calendars early and build in plenty of time to prepare and submit their work before the deadline. As always, we’re excited to see the creativity, storytelling, and innovation that our community brings to YXC each year.
Mahalo for being part of YXC and for continuing to share your work with us.
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Info Session: Register to attend the info session on Thursday, January 22 at 3:15 p.m. HST. (recording will be viewable afterwards) Register Here
Sponsored categories are unique opportunities created in partnership with community organizations. These categories come with specific themes, prompts, and even additional prize opportunities for winning entries, giving students a chance to create positive change.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has partnered with YXC to offer three high-school category themes focused on health, community, and youth well-being. Click on the links to download a category flyer.
- Grounded in Aloha
A 30–60 second PSA celebrating how aloha, ʻohana, and community support help Hawaiʻi youth stay healthy and drug-free. Students are encouraged to inspire hope, promote connection, and highlight positive choices that protect our communities.
- Choose Health: Speak Out About Meth
Another 30–60 second PSA, this category invites youth to raise awareness about the harms of methamphetamine (“ice”) and encourage healthier choices to strengthen futures and relationships here in Hawaiʻi.
- Overdose Awareness
Also a 30–60 second PSA, this theme focuses on raising awareness about fentanyl and other drug dangers — including lifesaving tools like naloxone that can reverse opioid overdose and protect lives.
These topics give students an opportunity to explore substance use, prevention, and community resiliency through their creativity and storytelling.
Why is this important? The Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Opioid Settlement Project (OSP) is dedicated to managing settlement funds to reduce harm, expand access to treatment, and promote prevention, while making key data accessible and transparent to the public.
What’s the Opioid Program All About?
The Hawaiʻi Opioid Settlement Program (OSP) was established by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health to responsibly manage tens of millions of dollars received through national settlement agreements with pharmaceutical companies. These funds are being used to support statewide efforts in:
- Harm reduction and prevention
- Treatment and recovery services
- Community education and data accessibility
