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I'm Staying in Alabama

You could win up to $10,000*

Winner Circle
Scroll Kayaking Hiking

Tell us why you’re
staying in Alabama
after graduation.

Submit Your Story
Scroll Kayaking Hiking
Share Your Story

Your Place+Your Space+Your Pace

Win up to $10,000* by sharing your story.

Each year, Alabama’s colleges and universities produce some of the nation’s brightest graduates, innovators, creators, and leaders poised to shape the future, but too often, they take their talents elsewhere. It’s time to change that.

We’re looking for college students and recent grads who have made the choice to stay in Alabama. Tell us why — and your story could inspire thousands more to do the same.

How it Works

1

Tell Us Your “Why” Story

Use the submission form below to share your personal “Why” story (500 words or less). Make sure to include a couple photos.

2

Submit Your Entry

Fill in your details and hit submit. Your “why” story has been sent for review.

3

Spread The Word

Help us reach more people by inviting your friends and family to share their stories.

Enter Now Rules & Terms
Huntsville, AL

#2 “Best place to
live in the U.S.”

Alabama

US NEWS + World Report

Alabama Beaches

Top 10 Remote-Work Friendly State

Forbes.com
  • 1. Cost of Living
  • 2. Pleasant Weather
  • 3. Fast-Growing Tech Presence
Alabama ranks in top 10 most affordable states in the U.S.

motto mortgage

top 10 most affordable states
James Beard Awards

7

James Beard Award Winners

Alabama Jobs
Alabama is Expected to need nearly 115,000 STEM Professionals by 2026.

How to Enter

Each month 3 stories will be selected
and winners notified via email.

Each month, first place winners receive $2,000, second place $1,000 and Third place will receive $500. Monthly winners will be asked to make a short video telling their “why” story and automatically entered in a statewide contest.

All videos will be featured on ImStayingInAlabama.com allowing everyone to vote on their favorite. Videos with the most votes will be eligible to win a grand prize.

*See full contest terms and conditions for more information.

Gold

Grand Prize

$10,000* Cash Prize

Silver

2nd Place

$5,000 Cash Prize

Bronze

3rd Place

$2,500 Cash Prize

Submit Your Story

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 10 files.

I'm Staying in Alabama

Jaquan Bryant

Jaquan Bryant

Co-Founder & COO, AizenFlow
Hunter and Lindsey Allen

Hunter and Lindsey Allen

Owners, The Mallard Coffee Company
Erin Sprague

Erin Sprague

Science Teacher, Austin High School

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t live in Alabama. Can I still enter?

The contest is open only to:

  • Legal residents of the United States;
  • Individuals who are currently enrolled or have graduated within the last 24 months from a 2-year or 4-year accredited institution in the state of Alabama;
  • Individuals who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.

I didn’t attend an Alabama state college. Can I still enter?

The contest is open only to:

  • Legal residents of the United States;
  • Individuals who are currently enrolled or have graduated within the last 24 months from a 2-year or 4-year accredited institution in the state of Alabama;
  • Individuals who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.

Can I enter multiple “why” stories? Is there a limit?

No, the entry limit is one (1) submission per person. All entries must be original. Plagiarized or AI-generated content will result in disqualification.

How will the monthly winners be selected?

Judges will evaluate submissions based on weighted criteria such as authenticity and clarity of story, inspirational impact, connection to Alabama’s future, and quality of writing and images.

See full contest terms and conditions for more information.

How will the monthly winners be notified? When will they be notified?

3 monthly winners will be contacted via email and must submit a short video (under 2 minutes) retelling their story to be automatically entered in a statewide contest.

See full contest terms and conditions for more information.