2027 Ethics in Action Video Competition Updates

The Ethics in Action Video Competition has been one of the largest, most loved student programs offered by the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) since it launched. As social media continues to shape how students connect, express themselves and share their creativity, the CPT is evolving to meet them where they are. To support this evolution, the CPT team is excited to announce that the annual competition will now follow an Instagram Reel format!

New categories for the competition will include:

Pause & Decide – Participants will produce a set of two (2) reels that are 60 seconds or less. The first reel will demonstrate an ethical dilemma and end by prompting the audience to stay tuned for part two to see how the scenario plays out. The second reel will present a possible resolution to the dilemma demonstrated in part one. The purpose of this category is to present a problem in part one and a solution in part two, prompting viewers (and students) to pause and decide how best to respond to ethical dilemmas.

Did You Know? – Participants will produce one (1) reel that is five (5) minutes or less. This reel will analyze a popular scandal or ethical dilemma in pop culture in an informative tone. The purpose of this category is for the participants to demonstrate their understanding of ethics in the real world and identify outcomes. Participants can choose how they would like to present the information to viewers, whether it be in a skit format, newscast style, documentary style, or other methods.

All submissions should feature footage of participants and should include minimal use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI may not be used to write scripts and should not take up more than 15 percent of screen time. The purpose of the competition is for students to demonstrate their understanding of ethics, and minimal use of AI will help protect the integrity of the competition.

This competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students at colleges, junior colleges and universities in the United States and its territories. Participants may not use photo, video or audio clips from movies, television shows, songs, soundtracks or any other works that were produced and/or published by other companies or individuals, unless you are using royalty-free stock photo, video and audio clips that you purchased and/or obtained the rights/permission to use. When the competition officially opens, the CPT will disclose official competition rules that all participants must agree to.

The Ethics in Action Video Competition will open from January 1, 2027, to March 26, 2027, and winners will be announced in April. The competition will also include a judges’ voting period and a viewers’ choice period where winners will be selected. Details on how to enter and submit videos as well as prize amounts will be shared in January 2027.

Any questions about the competition should be directed to Gia Tims at [email protected]. The CPT can’t wait to see what students create!