OTDA Challenge

Organ and tissue donation has the power to save and heal lives, and your voice can help start important conversations about this life-changing decision. As you create your Public Service Announcement—whether through animation or live interviews—we encourage you to approach the topic with thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and respect. Please remember that donation and transplantation can be deeply personal experiences for donors, recipients, families, and communities. We ask that all contest submissions present the topic in a respectful and appropriate manner while sharing information and stories that inspire awareness and meaningful conversation.

2027 PSA Challenge: “A Gift That Doesn't End With You.”

Before beginning your project, please reference the DonateLife Media Kit for background info, appropriate terminology, guidance on using personal stories, and branding guidelines. Avoid using copyrighted music in your video.

Group of 2-3 students

Length 30-90 seconds
Must be student-oriented
May use animation, stop motion, digital animation, illustrations, or other creative techniques.
Must contain accurate information about organ donation.
Must include clear message encouraging viewers to learn more or consider becoming an organ donor.
Avoid using graphic or frightening images.
If music, images, or other media are used, students should use material with permission. Use of royalty-free music is encouraged.

Your Award:

Each statewide winning team will be awarded $1,500 in Amazon gift cards. The winning team members will receive certificates as well as their school receiving a permanent trophy engraved with the school's name. The winning team's video will be shared on the IU13, PDE, and DonateLifePA websites to promote organ and tissue donation awareness.

Submission Form:

Download this form to include with your video entry. All submissions must include the form.

Only MP4 files or YouTube links will be accepted. MP4 files should be uploaded to Google Drive

Group of 2-3 students

Length: 3-5 minutes
Interview must feature an organ/tissue transplant recipient or member of a family member of an organ/tissue recipient.
Students should obtain permission from the person being interviewed before recording.
Questions should be prepared in advance.
Students should approach the interview with respect, empathy, and sensitivity.
The PSA should focus on the human impact of organ donation not just medical facts.
Students should verify information used in the video.

For assistance in connecting with a recipient or donor family, please contact your regional organ procurement organization provider.

Dwendy Johnson: (blue) Gift of Life Donor Program, djohnson@donors1.org
Nicole Lazaro: (green) CORE, nlazaro@core.org
Sara Chesler: (green) CORE, schesler@core.org

Your Award:

Submission Form:

Download this form to include with your video entry. All submissions must include the form.

Only MP4 files or YouTube links will be accepted. MP4 files should be uploaded to Google Drive

Criteria	Excellent	Good	Developing
Effectiveness	Powerful, memorable message that strongly inspires viewers to consider organ donation	Clear message that encourages awareness	Message is present but lacks impact or clarity
Benefits to the Community: Call to Action	Strong memorable call to action that clearly tells viewers what they can do	Includes a clear call to action	Call to action is weak or missing important information.
Accuracy and Education	Information about organ donation is accurate, meaningful, and clearly explained	Mostly accurate information with minor omissions	Contains limited information or some inaccuracies
Innovation	Highly creative concept, animation, storytelling, or visual approach that stands out	Creative and engaging concept	Some creative elements but relies on common ideas
Emotional Connection	Creates a strong emotional connection and leaves viewers thinking about the power of donation	Creates and emotional response	Some emotional connection but limited impact
Technical Quality/Presentation	Animation, sound, graphics, narration, and editing are polished and enhance the PSA	Good overall technical quality	Technical issues occasionally distract from the message
Respect & Sensitivity	Demonstrates exceptional sensitivity toward the topic of organ donation.	Respectful and sensitive to the topic of organ donation.	Some areas could demonstrate greater sensitivity.

Criteria	Excellent	Good	Developing
Effectiveness	Powerful, memorable message that strongly inspires viewers to consider organ donation	Clear message that encourages awareness	Message is present but lacks impact or clarity
Interview Quality/Questions	Thoughtful, respectful questions encourage meaningful stories and insights	Questions are appropriate and generate useful responses	Questions are limited, repetitive, or lack depth
Emotional Connection/Storytelling	Personal story is compelling, authentic, and helps viewers understand the impact of donation	Story creates and an emotional connection	Some emotional connection but story lacks depth
Accuracy/Education	Accurately explains organ donation and incorporates meaningful educational information	Information is generally accurate	Limited educational information or minor inaccuracies
Respect and Sensitivity	Demonstrates exceptional sensitivity toward donor families/recipients and treats their experiences with dignity	Respectful and appropriate throughout	Some areas could demonstrate greater sensitivity
Presentation	Clear audio, effective video, editing, lighting and presentation enhances the story	Good production quality with minor issues	Technical problems distract from the interview

ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS STATEWIDE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) COMPETITION

2027 PSA Challenge: “A Gift That Doesn't End With You.”

Choose Your Challenge!

Challenge #1: Animated PSA Challenge "A Gift That Doesn't End With You"

Your Award:

Submission Form:

Challenge #2: Voices of Donation

Your Award:

Submission Form:

Ready to Get Started?

Reliable Websites for Your Research:

Deadline:

Media Kit Materials:

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