What is the Keystone Video Challenge?
The Keystone Video Challenge is a learning-based video competition for 9th to 12th grade students enrolled in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry, and York County schools.
Before submitting a video, you’ll participate in three short virtual classes, designed to help you succeed. Once you complete all three classes, you’ll unlock the opportunity to submit a video to the contest.
This challenge isn’t just about winning—it’s about learning skills you can use now and in the future.
Class Schedule
Can’t attend a live session? No worries. All classes will be recorded, and links will be posted here.
⚠️ Important: You must attend (live or recorded) all three sessions and complete the attestation form to submit a video.
Session Overview
Projects can be overwhelming! That’s why project management is critical. Co-facilitated by Steven Carbo and Scott Pitts of Commonwealth Media Services, you will be introduced to the 5 steps of project management and dive into the full video production lifecycle. Not only will you learn about the importance of defining a project’s purpose and goals, but you will also explore ideation, scripting, and storyboarding. Are you staying on schedule and within budget? Come to the Project Management and Delivery class and find out!
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Know the 5 steps of Project Management
- Gain familiarity with the full video production lifecycle
- Learn why planning is the foundation of any successful project
- Understand why it is important to be flexible and willing to make adjustments
Session Overview
In this session, you will learn how branding and marketing shape the way people see, feel, and engage with a message, especially when you're trying to inspire action. Led by Yadira Lupian-Lua, Digital Director for the Office of Administration at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this session will break down how storytelling, visuals, and messaging come together to build a strong brand, and how you can use those same tools to craft a powerful video.
This module will help students understand the strategy behind creative decisions and how to design a campaign that resonates with young audiences just like them.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Understand what “branding” really means, and why it’s more than a logo
- Learn how to identify and speak to your audience (especially Gen Z & peers)
- Explore how visuals, tone, and message work together to create a feeling or spark action
- Discover how marketing plays a role in recruiting the next generation of public servants
- Walk away with inspiration and ideas for shaping their own video campaign concept
Session Overview
Join Steven Carbo and Scott Pitts from Commonwealth Media Services to explore best practices in digital media production. Did you ever want to know how to identify and shoot video for a specific audience? They will teach you! Why do you want to overshoot while filming? They’ll share that too! Steven and Scott will even talk camera, audio, and lighting techniques, as well as post-production enhancements. This will be a fast-paced 30-minute class full of valuable takeaways!
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Recognize the value of overshooting
- Identify their audience
- Learn different camera, audio, and lighting techniques
- Explore post-production enhancements
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How to ApplyCan you explain a complicated process clearly and creatively? Your task: Cover all 10 steps from “Get Started: Apply to a Job Opening” in 2 minutes or less.
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A Great Place to WorkThe Commonwealth offers more than just a job—it offers a full package of benefits that support your life, in and out of work. In a video that's 2 minutes or less, highlight some of the many employee benefits offered by the Commonwealth. This can include work/life balance, paid time off, holidays, health, vision, and dental coverage, and even unique optional benefits like pet insurance. Want ideas? Start with our employee benefits page. Help viewers see why the Commonwealth is an employer of choice.
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The Value of Public ServicePublic service impacts everyday life in Pennsylvania. From safe roads to clean water, public servants make it all happen. In 2 minutes or less, show why public service matters.
Video Requirements
To make sure you successfully submit your video to the contest, follow these rules carefully:
⏱️ Length: Must be 2 minutes or less
🎞️ Format: Must be in MP4 format
📺 Resolution: 720p or 1080p
File Naming
Name your video file using this format:
- first name_ last name.mp4
- Example: jessica_jones.mp4
⚠️ Don’t forget: You must also submit a signed legal document.
Ready to submit?
Video submissions must be submitted by March 20th, 2026.
⚠️ Heads up: The Submission Form link will be added here soon—well before the March 20th deadline. Stay tuned and check back for updates.
Before submitting your video, make sure you’ve completed everything below:
✔ Attended all 3 classes (live or recorded)
✔ Completed the attestation form (with teacher’s initials)
✔ Followed all video requirements
✔ Named your file correctly
✔ Signed the legal document