Perry Photojournalism Challenge

Can you tell a story in photos?

Enter the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge for the chance to win $500-$5,000 in scholarship to continue your studies at Nebraska.

Open to all undergraduate majors at CoJMC graduating no sooner than May 2027.

1. Contest participants must be available and in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the event on February 13, 21, 22 and 28. 
2. Entries must be the sole and original work of the entrant taken during the contest period beginning at 10 a.m. on February 21 and ending at 10 a.m. on February 22, 2026.
3. Photo and caption entries must be submitted by the deadline of 10 a.m. CST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
4. Each photo entry should contain the following information: title of essay, name of contestant, time and location of the photographs, and captions. 
5. Each photograph should include a caption that clearly identifies the people and location that appear in the photo; includes the date and day the photo was taken; provides some context or background to the reader so he or she can understand the news value of the photographs.
6. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the judges will select five contest finalists using the criteria listed above. 
7. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the five finalists will present their essays in-person in Andersen Hall 15. The judges will have the opportunity for questions following the presentations. The judges will rank the top five winners, awarding first through fifth place following the presentations. The judge's decisions are final. 
8. By submitting the entry form, entrants are agreeing to grant the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, its component campuses, its representatives, employees, agents and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reproduce and publish, royalty-free,  submitted photographs for editorial, trade, advertising or any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction. Entrants release the University of Nebraska, its component campuses and its Regents, officers, employees, agents, legal representatives and assign from any and all claims, actions and liability related to its use of said photographs.
9. All entrants hold the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, its component campuses, its representatives, employees, agents and assigns (the University) harmless from and against all claims of any nature arising in connection with entrant's participation in the contest and acceptance of the prize. The University is not liable for any costs, damages, injuries, or other claims incurred as a result of entrants' participation in the contest or winner's acceptance and usage of a prize. The university is not responsible for incomplete or misdirected entries, technical or network malfunctions or failures, or causes beyond their control. 
10. The university reserves the right to cancel or modify the rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, the university reserves the right to award or not award the prize in its sole discretion. The university reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: inhibit the enjoyment of others; tamper with the competition; violate the rules or other applicable law or regulations; infringes on the rights of third parties; or act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Decisions of the university are final and binding. 
11. The contest, entrant submission and the rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska. Any aspects or disputes arising out of or in connection with the contest and/or entrant submissions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nebraska courts.