Teen Video Contest Aims for More Diversity in STEM Careers

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The National Eye Institute (NEI) is framing the way for future success in a career in health and science for teens by holding its annual Eye on the Future campaign.

Just like last year, the Eye on the Future campaign kicks off with a $2,000 teen video contest.

“We created the [contest] because we want to hear from the next generation of scientists (that’s you!) about why science is so important,” according to the NEI website. “And we want to encourage high school students from all backgrounds to learn more about science.”

Submit a Video to the ‘Eye on the Future’ Teen Video Contest

Interested high school students can enter NEI’s Eye on the Future contest by submitting a 30-second-to-3-minute video showcasing one of three categories, as per the contest details.

• Science in your world. Teach us what science means to you and how it plays a role in some aspect of your life.
• Science in the field or lab. Share some science you’ve learned by doing a demo or teaching us about its importance.
• Science in your future. Describe how science or science outcomes will affect the future — and what role science will play in our lives.

Bonus points will be awarded for videos that feature eye-health or vision science, or that display the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Students have the option of working together is part of a team or fly on a solo adventure into the world of STEM.

Submissions posted to YouTube and sent in before the April 14, 2024, deadline will be judged for their scientific context and accuracy, relevance, engagement, and creativity.

From there NEI will select three first-place winners (one from each category). Each selected group or individual will take home a $2,000 cash prize.

In addition, winners will receive a free trip to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, for a fun-fueled day of science and networking.

Latinos in STEM

Increasing diversity in STEM fields is important.

There are fewer Latinos in today’s job market with Latinos making up 17% of the U.S. workforce.

There is an even larger gap when it comes to the number of Latinos employed in today’s highest earning fields – science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

As of 2021, only 8% of the STEM workforce is comprised of Latinos with health (9%), life science (8%), math (8%), physical science (8%), computer (8%), and engineering (9%) being some of the most underrepresented STEM fields for Latinos.

Latino Eye Health

Eye care is fundamental for your overall health, especially for Latinos, who have some of the highest rates of visual impairment and blindness.

The key to addressing these health disparities is having a good grip on ways to maintain the health of your eyes.

NEI is a valuable resource for those looking for help with healthy vision.

For example, NEI has put together a guide with seven vital eye health tips for glaucoma – an eye disease that disproportionately effects Latinos. They also have resources for kids and the ¡Ojo con su visión! initiative to help spread the word about eye health among Latinos.

How You Can Tackle Health Inequities Where You Live

Health equity is where everyone has a fair, just opportunity to be their healthiest.

To find out more about the status of health equity in your town, download a Health Equity Report Card from Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio.

The report card will give you a local maps and data on healthcare, schooling, employment, and housing, and how your area compares with the rest of your state and nation.

You can then email your report card to community leaders to create a better and more equitable tomorrow.

GET YOUR HEALTH EQUITY REPORT CARD!