Job Creating Contest: NYA's Innovative Approach in Illinois

This silent documentary captures an innovative initiative by the National Youth Administration (NYA) office in Illinois to engage young people in community development through an essay contest aimed at generating ideas for NYA work projects.

Contest Initiation: The film begins with the logistics of setting up the contest, showing the NYA staff as they mimeograph and print announcements, and design and post promotional posters to spread the word about the contest across Illinois.
Participation and Judging: It then moves to scenes of youths from various backgrounds participating by submitting their essays. The judging process is depicted, emphasizing the effort to select the most practical and impactful project ideas for NYA work centers.
Awards Ceremony: The climax of the film is at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, where NYA Administrator Aubrey Williams is present to award the winners. This segment not only celebrates the creativity and initiative of the young people but also showcases the NYA's commitment to fostering leadership, community involvement, and practical solutions to local challenges through youth engagement.

This documentary underscores the NYA's strategy of not just providing jobs but also encouraging young people to think critically about how to contribute to their communities, thus enhancing both their personal development and the welfare of Illinois.