For Substance Use Prevention Month this October, Parents Lead is inviting students to use their creativity and voice to make a difference in our community! The Power of Prevention: Billboard Contest gives students the chance to design a powerful, eye-catching message that encourages peers and community members to live substance-free.
Who Can Participate:
- Open to all ages (K-12)
- Students may enter individually, part of a group/class or the entire school
How it Works:
Use your creativity to design a positive billboard that shows how prevention starts with students, families, and communities working together. Think about what substance use prevention means to you. Is it making healthy choices? Having friends who support you? Feeling safe to talk to your parents or caregivers?
Format:
Artwork must be submitted on the provided template and created in landscape orientation.
Billboard design should be bold, positive, and easy to read. You can use digital art media or freestyle media (markers, ink, pencils, pastels, watercolor, crayons, collage, mixed media, or any combination).
Students cannot use photographs that include other people in their artwork. Artwork must be original. Students cannot use any copyrighted or trademarked characters (such as comic, television, or movie characters), logos, or trademarked names of specific products.
Submission:
Submit entry form and artwork/image by clicking here.
Deadline:
Friday, October 31, 2025.
Judging Criteria:
- Clarity of Message – Is the prevention message easy to understand?
- Creativity & Originality – Is the idea fresh, engaging, and visually appealing?
- Impact – Would the billboard grab attention and understand the importance of prevention.
Winners:
A panel of judges will review all submissions and select one winner from each age group: K–5, 6–8, and 9–12. The three winning designs will be posted for voting on Parents Lead social media channels. The design that receives the most votes will have a real billboard created featuring their artwork!
The first, second, and third place winners will be announced by November 14th via email and Parents Lead social media.
Prizes:
- First Place: Your billboard design will be displayed on a real billboard in North Dakota—ideally near your hometown!
- Second & Third Place: Your design will be featured on the Parents Lead website and social media channels.
Questions?
Contact Sara at skapp@nd.gov or Amy at amysteinert@nd.gov