AIST Foundation Real Steel Video Contest

►See the 2026 Contest Winners!

Goal

The goal of the AIST Foundation Real Steel Video Contest (the “Video Contest”) is to challenge students to research the steel industry and produce a three-minute original video that educates viewers on a predetermined, steel-related theme.

Video Submission Guidelines

Each video contest submission should educate viewers on the 2026 theme, “Steel – from the Gen Z Perspective” and include at least two of the following key components:

  • Interview with recent graduate(s) who work for a steel-producing or steel-related company that explains the benefits of working in the industry as a young professional.
  • Conduct an original survey of your peers to gauge their impressions of the steel industry and their opinions on the positive impact of pursuing a career in steelmaking.
  • Provide unique examples of how students and young professionals gaining experience in the industry are changing the way Gen Z views steelmaking.
  • Outline examples of how steel companies and associations are attracting the next generation (work-study programs, paid internships, mentor matching, scholarships, etc).
    • If you would like to include AIST-specific examples in this section, you’re welcome to do so without submitting written consent.

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, the video contest committee requires submissions to showcase student creativity. Original footage filmed by your team, along with fresh concepts not seen in previous years' entries, will improve your chances of earning a higher score and a larger cash prize if your submission advances to the semifinals.

A teacher/faculty member at the school must serve as the Faculty Sponsor for each entry. Faculty Sponsors may include this Video Contest as part of their class curriculum, or as a separate activity for their students. One student on the team will serve as the Student Captain.

Eligibility Requirements

The Video Contest is open to all high school students (grades 9–12), post-secondary trade/technical school students, and college and university students. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted, but a maximum of three videos per university can advance to the finals.