Diversity x Design is a contest organized by Creative Studio (the in-house design department) at the California Academy of Sciences in collaboration with Inneract Project. Closing October 10, 2021.

High school students are invited to create a poster that celebrates diversity in science. Register for the contest to be notified about upcoming workshops.

Poster themes

1. The beauty of diversity
2. My favorite Academy exhibit
3. Including me in science
4. Envisioning a bright future
5. Science call-to-action

About the prizes

There will be one winner for each of the five poster themes and one honorable mention for each of the five design criteria. Winning posters and honorable mentions will be displayed at the Academy and on our website. Winners will receive a large print of their poster, a $100 gift card, and a one-year Academy family membership. Honorable mentions will receive a large print of their poster and four tickets to the Academy.

Poster judging criteria

As you think about turning your ideas into a poster, remember that the judges will be considering these five design criteria.

Typography —How well does the poster use lettering to convey the message?

Imagery: Illustration or Photography —How well does the poster use imagery to convey the message?

Composition and Layout —How well does the poster use composition and layout to convey the message?

Messaging: Communicating the Idea —How well does the poster inspire thinking, tell a story, or spark emotion? How well does the poster answer the prompt?

Originality—How well does the poster show a unique perspective or express an idea creatively?

Spark your imagination with these design prompts, free tools, resources, and more. See design resources.

Contest rules in a nutshell:

Create an original poster and you may win some great prizes. You will not use anyone else’s words or images without their permission. The Academy has permission to show off your poster if your design wins or is an honorable mention. You are a Bay Area high school student (living or attending school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma county) and have permission from your parent/guardian to participate. Read the full rules here.

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