Calling all New York State High Schools!

Students create a video about ONE of the following Financial Literacy topics:

  • Show why some debt is “good debt” and some is “bad debt”. What are the consequences of each?
  • Demonstrate two common scams that target young people and provide guidance on how to avoid them.
  • Document a “Day in the Life of a Thrifty Spender” and show how their strategies save money.
  • Compare 2 friends – one favors trends like meme stocks, the other uses classic investment strategies. Show why the latter approach is better.

Important Information:

  • To be eligible: High Schools must be located in New York State.
  • Videos should be between 45 seconds and 2 minutes.
  • The contest will open on January 26, 2026 and close on April 1, 2026.
  • Students are encouraged to utilize social media filters, effects, and current trends in their videos.
  • Please do not use copyrighted music.
  • Videos can ONLY be submitted to W!se by teachers on behalf of their students.
  • Students should provide their teachers with a URL link (TikTok, IG reels, YouTube shorts) or the original video file to submit on their behalf.
  • Please use the official contest hashtag when posting on social media: #WiseFinLit
  • Teachers, Contestants, and Participants all must accept the Contest Rules linked below.
  • Reminder: Teachers should upload consent forms at the time of submission for Contestants and all Participants under the age of 18 appearing in the video.
  • Only complete submissions will be judged.

Check out the 2025 Top 5 Videos here!

Student Prizes:

  • First Place: $2,500
  • Second Place: $1,500
  • Third Place: $1,000
  • Fourth Place: $750
  • Fifth Place: $500

Teacher Prizes:

  • First Place: $1,000
  • Second Place: $750
  • Third Place: $500
  • Fourth Place: $250
  • Fifth Place: $150

Principal Prize:

  • $1,000 for the school with the most submissions (rules and restrictions may apply.)

Important Documents:

2026 Video Contest Rules

2026 Video Contest FAQ

Parental Consent Form

Contestant and Participant Signed Agreement Form

Submission Link will be available soon.

For questions, please contact Lizzy Odom at eodom@wise-ny.org

Sponsored by Bread Financial