My Marianas 2040

Your Ideas. Our Future.

Introduction

Main Prompt: What do you imagine The Marianas could be like in 2040? How could your idea help make the Marianas a better place to live, work, and visit?​

My Marianas 2040 invites students to think boldly and creatively about the future of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the wider Marianas. Ideas may address culture, environment, education, jobs, technology, transportation, energy, safety, resilience, community life, the ocean, tourism, inter-island connections, new products, services, experiences, or another part of the future students hope to inherit.

View the full guidelines here: My Marianas 2040 Student Guidelines

Complete the online entry and consent release forms here: My Marianas 2040 Resources

Table of Contents

Key Dates

Key Dates
Launch Date
September 21, 2026
Submission Deadline
October 23, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ChST

Eligibility

Who Can Participate

  • Students in Grades 9-12 during the 2026-2027 school year at a public or private school in Saipan, Tinian, or Rota
  • Enter individually or as a team of up to three eligible students
  • Each student may join only one submission, either solo or on one team
  • Enter directly. No teacher nomination, school endorsement, or school registration is needed
    • Teacher and school support is welcome but optional

Submission Guidelines

Submission Formats

Essay

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Suggested Guidance

Suggested 500-1,000 words; submit as PDF or Word.

Poster / Concept Board

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Suggested Guidance

A clearly labeled visual concept with a short written explanation; submit as PDF, JPG, or PNG.

Short Video

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Suggested Guidance

Suggested length 1-3 minutes; submit a working Google Drive, OneDrive, or unlisted YouTube link.

Presentation Slides

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Suggested Guidance

Suggested 5-8 slides; submit as PDF or PowerPoint.

Artwork / Visual Concept

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Suggested Guidance

Submit a clear scan or photograph plus a suggested 100-250 word explanation; PDF, JPG, or PNG.

Community Project Idea

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Suggested Guidance

A practical concept that could improve the Marianas by 2040; submit as a short PDF, Word document, or presentation.

The suggested guidance above help students plan their work. They are not separate judging criteria. Entries are evaluated on the strength and clarity of the student idea, not the cost or technical quality of production.

Language

Entries should primarily be submitted in English. Chamorro or Carolinian/Refaluwasch language content is welcome. When another language is used, include an English summary, translation, or subtitles so all judges can evaluate the entry consistently.

AI Use and Originality

  • AI is not a separate submission category and does not automatically add or deduct points.
  • Students must check Yes or No on the Entry Form to disclose whether AI was used.
  • If AI was used, identify the tool and briefly explain how it helped, such as brainstorming, language editing, image assistance, research organization, or technical support.
  • The main idea, decisions, and final explanation must reflect the student’s or team’s own thinking.
  • Every submission must include the student’s or team’s electronic originality certification in the online Entry Form.

How to Submit

  1. Review these guidelines.
  2. Complete and submit the online Entry Form. Save the Submission ID if one is provided.
  3. Complete one online Consent and Release Form for each participant. A parent or guardian must complete it for a student under age 18; a student age 18 or older may complete it for themselves.
  4. Email the student work to marketing@mymarianas.com by October 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ChST. Use the subject: My Marianas 2040 Entry – Student or Team Name – Entry Title. Include the Submission ID if one was provided. Include any required English summary, translation, or subtitles included with the student work
  5. Attach documents and images directly. For video or large files, provide a Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or unlisted YouTube link with viewing access enabled through the judging period. Do not require MVA to request access.

Evaluation

Judging Criteria

Criterion What judges will consider Points
Vision and Future Thinking
Clearly imagines the Marianas in 2040
20
Creativity and Originality
Presents a fresh, thoughtful, or imaginative idea
20
Connection to the Marianas
Reflects local identity, culture, environment, community, or island life
20
Clarity and Quality of Presentation
Communicates the central idea clearly, with appropriate grammar, spelling, layout, or editing for the selected format
20
Community and Destination Benefit
Shows potential value for residents, students, culture, the environment, the visitor experience, or the long-term development of the Marianas
20
  • Vision and Future Thinking (20 points): Clearly imagines the Marianas in 2040
  • Creativity and Originality (20 points): Presents a fresh, thoughtful, or imaginative idea
  • Connection to the Marianas (20 points): Reflects local identity, culture, environment, community, or island life
  • Clarity and Quality of Presentation (20 points): Communicates the idea clearly, with appropriate grammar, spelling, layout, or editing for the format
  • Community and Destination Benefit (20 points): Shows value for residents, students, culture, the environment, visitors, or long-term development

All eligible entries use the same 100-point rubric. Judges evaluate the student idea and expression, not equipment, production expense, or English fluency.

Recognition

  • The three highest-scoring entries are recognized as First, Second, and Third Place
  • Each member of a selected team receives an individual MVA certificate
  • Selected work may be featured through MVA channels and a small recognition activity, subject to parent/guardian permission

After the Competition

  • All eligible submissions will be organized by topic and summarized in a Youth Ideas Summary.
  • Winning submissions and other concepts identified as potentially feasible or especially relevant may receive additional MVA review.
  • Selected ideas may be considered as input for future tourism programs, destination enhancements, visitor experiences, youth and community engagement activities, or other relevant MVA initiatives.
  • Submission, recognition, or further review does not guarantee adoption, funding, endorsement, compensation, or implementation.

Additional Information

  • Entries must be complete, original, appropriate for a school and public audience, and received by the deadline. An entry is complete only when MVA has received the online Entry Form, every required Consent and Release Form, and the student work.
  • MVA may contact students, parents/guardians, or schools to verify information or request an accessible file.
  • Incomplete, inaccessible, or late submissions may be found ineligible.
  • Student ideas remain student ideas and are not automatically approved MVA policy or funded projects.
  • Students retain ownership of their original work and grant MVA non-exclusive permission to review, preserve, display, and promote submitted work as authorized in the participation forms.
  • For additional questions, email MVA Marketing (marketing@mymarianas.com) or call (670) 664-3200

Resources

#FarFromOrdinary
#TheMarianas

Plan Your Adventure

For more information on these activities and to explore additional adventures, check out our interactive map featuring historical sites, hiking trails, and more. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota offer something for everyone. Start planning your island getaway today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Marianas.

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