AACI’s Growing Up in America (GUA) art, essay, and video contest is an annual celebration of creativity, culture, and community for K–12th grade students across the Bay Area. In partnership with NBC Bay Area, GUA offers students a unique platform to share their stories, ideas, and perspectives. Over the past 30+ years, the contest has inspired thousands of students to explore and celebrate their culture and community.
Contest Opens: March 1, 2026
Submissions Close: March 15, 2026
Who: Students in K-12th Grade who live and/or attend a school within the following Bay Area counties: Santa Clara, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Alameda, or San Mateo County.