Youth Xchange 2026
Hawai‘i’s statewide student video competition
Categories
There are two categories in YXC: General and Sponsored. Both give students the chance to tell powerful stories about issues that matter in Hawaiʻi.
Sponsored Categories Use a sponsor prompt + flyer guidelines
Sponsored categories are created in partnership with community organizations and agencies. Each sponsor provides a specific prompt, focus area, or theme, and may offer additional prizes for winning entries.
- Follow a sponsor’s topic, question, or call to action.
- Use the detailed guidelines provided on each sponsor flyer.
- Entries are judged separately from the General categories.
Healthy Streets Healthy Communities
1–2 minutes Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health
Healthy streets are designed to be safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone—whether walking, biking, rolling, or taking the bus. They reduce traffic injuries, promote physical activity, improve air quality, and strengthen community connections.
High School–Only Sponsored Categories
The following sponsored categories are open to high school–aged participants only.Prizes: 1st Place: $250 B&H Gift Card and $250 cash gift card (courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health) Two Runner-Ups: $250 cash gift cards each (courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health)
Info Session: The January 22 live Info Session recording will be available soon.
Grounded in Aloha
30-60 second PSA—High School Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
“Grounded in Aloha” celebrates how aloha, ʻohana, and community help Hawaiʻi youth stay healthy and drug-free. You can inspire hope, promote connection, and highlight the positive choices that keep us grounded and safe from dangerous substances.
Choose Health: Speak Out About Meth
30-60 second PSA—High School
Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
Meth (“ice”) harms health, relationships, and futures in Hawaiʻi. Youth PSAs can spark change, inspire hope, promote healthy choices, and support safer communities.
Overdose Awareness
30-60 second PSA—High School: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health
Fentanyl is taking lives, but we have tools like naloxone to save them. The more people who know, the more lives we can protect.
General Categories Short Form + Long Form (choose your topic)
General categories are for student-created projects that follow the overall YXC contest criteria. Students choose their own topic and produce either a Short Format or Long Format piece.
Short Form
30 seconds–2 minutes (credits not counted)
- PSAs (30–60 sec): A focused message encouraging awareness or action on an issue that matters in Hawai‘i.
- News Stories (1–2 min): A journalistic piece informing viewers about a timely event, issue, or community story.
Long Form
3–5 minutes (credits not counted)
- Narrative: A scripted story with a plot, characters, and dialogue.
- Mini-Doc: A nonfiction exploration of a person, place, or issue.
- Informational: An educational video explaining a topic or process.
- Call to Action: A persuasive piece encouraging positive change.
Students & Educators
Enter the contest and access classroom-ready resources.
Sponsors
Support the next generation of storytellers and innovators.
Attendees
Find out more about the YXC Awards Show in 2026.
Latest Program Updates
Stay up to date with the newest information about the ʻŌlelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition.