First held in 2008, Doodle for Google is a long-running art contest for creative teens in the United States.

In this post, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Doodle for Google scholarship, including key dates, application requirements, and why you should apply.

Rishab Jain, a Harvard student who has achieved success in numerous international competitions has made his FREE Student STEM guide public with a a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions.

You should definitely check it out next.

What is Doodle for Google?

Doodle for Google is held by Google and occurs annually in the U.

S.

The competition challenges students in all grades to create a unique "doodle" for Google, an art blurb that incorporates the letters of Google and is featured on the main website for 24 hours.

The doodle centers around a different theme each year, which is released in advance.

See the event themes for the last four years here: 2023: “I am grateful for…” 2022: “I care for myself by…” 2021: "I am strong because. " 2020: "I show kindness by. " Art entries can be done in any material, including digital art, traditional mediums such as painting, to clay and stop-motion videos.

However, doodles including copyrighted imagery are not allowed.

The submitted doodles are judged and grouped on a state-by-state basis, from which three levels of distinction are awarded: State and Territory Winners: 55 students across the U.

S. states and territories are chosen to receive this honor.

National Finalists: Top 5 entries from the state and territory winners are selected and earn the following awards that align with Google values: Planet Award Good Neighbor Award Imagination Award Biggest Smile Award Tech Whiz Award National Winner: One winner selected from the state and territory winners, determined by votes across the U.

S.

What are the prizes? 2023 Doodle for Google winner: Rebbecca Wu The Doodle for Google boasts hefty scholarship awards for the top creative teens: National Winner: artwork displayed on Google. com for 24 hours as the official doodle $55,000 college scholarship $50,000 technology package for their school or non-profit organization Google hardware and fun swag package Individual and school trophy National Finalists: doodle featured on Doodle for Google gallery $5,000 college scholarship Google hardware and swag package State and Territory Winners: doodle featured on Doodle for Google gallery Google hardware and swag Congratulatory message from Google Am I Eligible for Doodle for Google?

To apply for this scholarship contest, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements below for 2024: Enrolled in U.

S. based school or school in Puerto Rico, U.

S. territories and freely associated states, or The District of Columbia Aged 13 years or older as of date of entry U.

S. citizen or permanent legal resident What are the Application Requirements for Doodle for Google?

To apply for Doodle for Google, students must submit an online form with a submission of their doodle in photo or video form.

The application also requires an artist statement.

The most recent prompt was: "Tell us about what you created and how it represents your wish for the next 25 years. " Ensure that all your application components are submitted by the deadline.

The application period closed this year on March 21st, 2024, for reference.

Why should I apply?

Aside from being a highly competitive and prestigious competition, there are a plethora of reasons why you should apply to Doodle for Google.

See some of these below.

Gain recognition.

If you're an aspiring artist, winning awards from these types of competitions can thrust your work into the spotlight and be received by many people.

Especially because young creatives typically don't have a lot of chances to gain recognition for their pieces, submitting them to contests can be an excellent way to receive good exposure.

Additionally, winning a prestigious award can validate the quality of your work and your artistic merit.

Receiving a distinction from Doodle for Google means that your work went through a rigorous round of selection and deserved its spot among the top recognized entries.

Get a boost on your college application Entering art competitions shows your passion in the creative field.

Adding such an honor in your college application can round out your profile and provide a good contrast with your other extracurriculars, or if your sole focus is on the arts, can help develop your spike.

Participating in contests like Doodle for Google shows that you actively seek out opportunities in whichever field you're interested in and avidly develop your passions.

Individuals who have such an intrinsic drive and sense of self are received well in college admissions.

Win scholarships The Doodle for Google offers many distinctions, out of which multiple offer cash scholarships for high school students.

For example, the national winner receives $55,000 in cash scholarships, and national finalists $5,00

0. These can go a long way in mitigating the costs of college tuition for students and their families.

Winning awards that are attached to monetary scholarships therefore adds additional value to the honor that translates well into college applications and artistic portfolios.

Gain an artistic community Participating in Doodle for Google exposes you to a community of other like-minded artists and creatives.

Thousands of students apply to this contest every year, and for winners, attending award ceremonies and interacting with other students can expand your worldview in many positive ways.

Having a community in your corner in any kind of endeavor is a great thing, and can act as a support system as you pursue this field. 2020 Doodle for Google winner: Sharon Sara Concluding Remarks—Doodle for Google Contest In conclusion, we provided a comprehensive overview of Doodle for Google as well as reasons for why it's worth it to apply.

Participating in creative competitions and winning them can enhance your college application, bring exposure and recognition to your works, and earn scholarships for college.

However, Doodle for Google isn't the only well-known creative-based competitions for high schoolers.

Check out this list of the top 10 writing competitions for high school students to elevate your writing endeavors to the next level.

Rishab Jain, a Harvard student who has achieved success in numerous international competitions has made his FREE Student STEM guide public with a a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions.

You should definitely check it out next.

Image Credits: Doodle for Google Website.