Comedy and Civic Engagement:
A Student-Led Creative Challenge
Make Them Laugh. Make It Matter.
What if comedy could bridge divides and spark empathy?
What if humor could move culture and promote civic engagement?
We invite you to prove it.
180 Degrees Consulting at UC Berkeley (180 DC) and the Center for Scholars and Storytellers (CSS) are launching a national competition for students who believe humor isn’t just entertainment, it’s impact.
The Challenge
Create an original 1–2 minute comedic video that tackles a meaningful social issue affecting young people today.
Your work should:
Be funny but thoughtful
Be bold but responsible
Be culturally relevant
Invite conversation, not polarization
Who’s Eligible?
We welcome college students as well as young storytellers ages 18-25 - whether you're currently enrolled, recently graduated, or building your voice outside the classroom!
*participants must be US-based
Why Enter?
National Visibility
Finalists will have their work screened at a live showcase hosted by CSS.
Industry Judges
Leaders across media, entertainment and social impact will evaluate the top 10 finalist projects.
Work That Matters
Your project could help redefine how civic issues are communicated to young audiences.
Prize:
Winning Team (1st Place):
2K Cash Prize (split among team members)
A feature and highlight on our CSS Webpage and Socials
An invitation to an in-person (travel expenses covered) or virtual salon/industry screening with creatives and entertainment executives working in impact-driven storytelling
2nd Place:
$750 Cash Prize (split among team members)
3rd Place:
$250 Cash Prize (split among team members)
What we’re looking for
We’ll evaluate submissions based on:
Creative originality
Effective use of humor
Clarity of intended impact
Inclusivity
Alignment with guidelines
We want projects that will:
Surprise us
Feel culturally fluent
Avoid cheap shots
Demonstrate emotional intelligence
Choose Your Focus Area
Submissions must address one of the following:
Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
Burnout. Therapy speak. Doomscrolling. The pressure to “optimize” your life.
Civic Participation & Trust
Apathy. Distrust. Political fatigue. Finding your voice.
Technology & Social Connection
Loneliness in a hyperconnected world. Parasocial relationships. Algorithm anxiety.
Narrow your lens. Be specific. And speak to Gen Z!
What You’ll Submit
A 1–2 minute original comedic video (sketch, mock PSA, satire, character piece, etc.)
Video cannot exceed 2 minutes, even with any credits included
Video must be filmed in English
Video must be submitted as a .MOV or .MP4 file only - no exceptions!
A short written explanation (max 500 words) outlining:
Your idea
Your target audience
The impact you hope to create
Teams of 3-6 are encouraged (but not required)!
Selection Process:
Round 1: Submission review and scoring by 180 Degrees Consulting
Round 2: 10 selected finalists will be judged by a panel of entertainment industry and thought leaders
Final Event: The top 3 teams will screen their work at an in-person showcase in front of entertainment industry professionals
Submission Deadline: TBD
Program Period: TBD
Final Showcase: TBD
Meet the Judges
-
Jamila Hunter
Senior Television Executive, Producer and Team Leader
-
Romen Borsellino
Writer/Producer
-
Stephanie Allain
Producer, Founder & Principal of Homegrown Pictures
-
Mike Farah
Emmy-Winning TV & Film Producer, Former CEO of Funny or Die
-
Wyatt Cenac
Writer, Actor, Producer
-
Paulina Suarez
Program Officer, Ford Foundation
Ready to Submit?
Additional Questions?
Contact: Evadne Eddins, Entertainment Partnerships & Advocacy Manager at evadne@scholarsandstorytellers.com.