ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS STATEWIDE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) COMPETITION
The Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), is sponsoring the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Competition, a statewide challenge that encourages teams of students in 9th through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world lifesaving challenges. Winners will be selected by members of the Organ Donation Advisory Committee (ODAC).
Your Challenge:
Create a video explaining why being an organ donor is crucial and why you will designate yourself. Use the theme, “The Power of 1” to demonstrate how the organs of 1 donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of 75 people through tissue donation. Be sure to include this fact in your entry to encourage your peers to become organ donors.
Your Award:
The statewide winning team will be awarded $3,000. The winning team members will receive certificates as well as their school receiving a traveling trophy and a permanent trophy engraved with the school's name. The team will also be invited to attend the Annual OTDA Spring Conference in State College in May 15, 2026.
Project & Submission Guidelines
- Students must work together in teams (a minimum of two up to a maximum of four individuals) to develop their innovative video that addresses the challenge of convincing peers and/or adults to become organ and tissue donors.
- All videos must be written, directed, and filmed by team members.
- The video is to be between 30 and 90 seconds in length.
The challenge is open to Pennsylvania high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in public, private or charter schools. Note: PDE employees and their family members (siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews) are ineligible to enter. Statewide judging events may be held in person or virtually.
Judging Criteria
Effectiveness – 10 points
- Does the video holistically address the challenge?
- Could the video be used by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Organ Donation Advisory Committee (ODAC), or IU13 without substantial revisions?
- Is the video compelling enough to encourage people to become organ and tissue donors?
- Does the video holistically address the challenge of being the “Power of 1”.
- Does the video include the fact that 1 donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation.
- 1 donor can enhance the lives of 75 people through tissue donation.
Benefits to the Community – 10 points
- Does the video address and meet the needs of the community, e.g. increase organ donation rates?
- Does the video include and address impacts to the community?
- Does the solution take into consideration dispelling myths and misconceptions by providing factual information?
Innovation – 10 points
- Does the video inspire organ donation?
- Does the video introduce an original or advanced concept to inspire organ donation?
- Does the video show promise as a catalyst for organ donation?
Presentation – 10 points
- Is the video presented in a captivating manner?
- Is the video presented with clarity and forethought?
- Did the video present all aspects of organ and tissue donation?
Reliable Websites for Your Research
Submission Form:
Download this form to include with your video entry. All submissions must include the form.
Deadline:
Submissions must be received by Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 by 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2026.
Want to Know More About OTDA?
The OTDA Project assists secondary students in pre-thinking the critical issues surrounding organ and tissue donation so that each teen can make an informed decision and communicate that decision to his or her family members.
Learn more about the Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness (OTDA) Program at Lancaster-Lebanon IU13: https://iu13.org/OTDA
