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Escape the Vape video challenge returns for 2024

Students in Minnesota to participate in e-cigarette PSA video contest

The Escape the Vape video challenge, a youth vaping prevention video contest, is back for 2024! Minnesota middle and high school students are invited to create and submit a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) video to educate their peers on the dangers of e-cigarette use, also known as vaping. Submissions will be entered into a competition for cash prizes for both students and their schools. 

Escape the Vape is a collaboration between a broad group of Minnesota organizations working to reduce youth e-cigarette use. The objective of this video contest is to engage youth to use their voices and inform their peers about the dangers of vaping. Last year, students in middle and high school submitted 350 PSA videos. This year, there will be an extra resubmission period for youth who submit a video that does not align with the guidelines.

The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota alongside Twin Cities Orthopedics and Oxboro Family Chiropractic are excited to once again sponsor the contest this year and promote engagement with youth about this topic.

According to the CDC, within the past 30 days, 14 percent of high school students have reported using e-cigarettes and nearly nine out of ten adults who smoke cigarettes daily first try smoking by age 18. E-cigarettes have escalated this problem, with over 5,700 kids starting to vape every day. 

Minnesota teens can get free help to quit by texting "Start My Quit" to 36072 or visiting MyLifeMyQuit.com. 

Minnesota youth can learn more about the Escape the Vape video challenge and submit their videos at mnescapethevape.org.

Key Contest Dates

  • February 1, 2024 - video submission opens (Students will have the month of February to finalize and submit their videos)
  • February 29, 2024 - video submission deadline
  • April 22, 2024 - finalists announced
  • April 22 - May 3, 2024 - public voting
  • May 7, 2024 - winners announced

About the Escape the Vape video challenge
The Escape the Vape video challenge is a program coordinated by ACET, Inc. in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health. The contest is sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota alongside Twin Cities Orthopedics and Oxboro Family Chiropractic. For more information on sponsorships or how to promote the contest with youth in your community visit Escape the Vape video challenge.