Google Wants to Know What Kids Would Like to Do Someday

If you have an ambitious school-age child with a flair for art or design, Google (News - Alert) wants to hear from him or her. The Internet giant today kicked off its annual “Doodle 4 Google” competition, which invites school children from kindergarten through high school to use their artistic talents to “think big” and redesign Google’s homepage logo for millions to see. Children are asked to work on the theme “What I'd Like To Do Someday,” and illustrate that theme.

On its blog, the company writes, “Whether students want to find a cure for cancer or take a trip to the moon, it all starts with art supplies and some 8.5" x 11" paper. And, one lucky student artist will take home a $15,000 college scholarship and $25,000 technology grant for their school, among many other prizes.”

Google says this is a way to foster leaders of the future. “We know this crop of students will be the generation of tomorrow's leaders and inventors, and we can't wait to see what they come up with,” wrote Marissa Mayer, Google vice president of consumer products, in a blog post.

Google is assembling an all-star cast of judges to decide the winning entry and regional finalists, including Whoopi Goldberg, “Garfield” creator Jim Davis, and Olympic gold medalist ice skater Evan Lysacek in addition to several other well-known cartoonists, animators and illustrators. The judges will also attend the final awards ceremony to personally congratulate winners.

Google revamped the contest rules slightly this year, according to PC Mag. Unlike in previous years' competitions, parents or guardians are now allowed to register students directly, and if a school registers directly, they can submit as many doodles as they want, though Google only allows one entry per student. Google is also partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA for the effort.

Registration for Doodle 4 Google will close at midnight (PST) on March 2, 2011. All entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2011. The winning doodle will be featured on the Google.com home page on May 20, 2011.

For more information and specifics, click here.

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