Family Story Award Instructions
We accept nominations from both students and family members. Answer the prompt for families or for students accordingly. Only one nomination is required to be eligible for consideration; multiple nominations from different family members, including the student, are welcome.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Write an essay of 500-800 words OR craft a 3-5 minute video following the prompt (see prompts for families or for students below).
2. Fill out the nomination form.
3. Attach the essay to the form or email the video to parents@ucsd.edu.
4. Submit by September 30, 2026.
Note: Submissions are accepted in the family's primary or preferred language.
PROMPTS FOR FAMILIES:
Explain how your family's support and values prepared your student to be academically successful, inclusive of others, navigate personal growth, engage with the university, practice well-being, take accountability for themselves and/or strive for excellence.
PROMPTS FOR STUDENTS:
Explain how your family's support and values prepared you to be academically successful, inclusive of others, navigate personal growth, engage with the university, practice well-being, take accountability for yourself and/or strive for excellence.
ESSAY SUBMISSIONS WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
● The essay addresses the prompt in its entirety.
● The essay is creative.
● The essay is free from spelling and grammar mistakes.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
● The video addresses the prompt in its entirety.
● The video content is creative.
● The video satisfies the 3-5 minute length requirement.
NOMINATION ELIGIBILITY:
UC San Diego undergraduates and their family members are eligible to submit nominations.
*"Family" is defined as parents, guardians, foster families, siblings, spouses, partners and/or anyone from whom the student receives support.
THE AWARD RECIPIENTS WILL:
● Receive a UC San Diego Bookstore voucher for $150.
● Receive free admission to Family Weekend for up to four people.
● Be featured in Parent and Family Programs publications.
● Be recognized during the Family Weekend Fam Fest on Saturday, October 17th.