Can I Run an Essay Contest for Students Only?
Yes. Gleam can't confirm someone is a student, so you ask for details at entry and check proof before you hand over a prize.
- On the Pre-Entry tab, click Add Field to ask for school name and year level (Custom Fields are on the Business Plan and above).
- Switch on Minimum Age if your contest has an age floor. Entrants under it can't enter. It works on every plan, Free included.
- Collect essays with an Answer a Question Action and a Max word count, or an Upload Action for files (Business Plan and above).
- State who's eligible in your Terms & Conditions, and that winners must show proof, such as a student ID.
- Check that proof before you announce anyone.
Caution
Contests for school students often reach minors. In the US, COPPA sets rules, including parental consent, for collecting personal information from children under 13, and other countries have their own. This isn't legal advice, so check the rules where you're running it.