Contest Theme

Connections among Virginia's urban, rural, and suburban areas 

The U.S. Census Bureau identifies places as either rural or urban. What common conditions do you think characterize rural and urban regions? Suburban areas blur the distinction between urban and rural. How has the interaction among these different areas shaped Virginia’s past and present? As you plan your story map think about

• Which  places are connected? 

• Why are they connected?

• How have the connections changed over time? 

• Will you explore rural to urban interaction? Urban and suburban interaction? Rural to suburban interactions? 

How have the connections been shaped by the influences of the physical environment as well as the social, economic, and political interactions between one or more of these areas. Decide which geographic and/or historical perspectives your story map will incorporate as you consider the “why there” and “why then” questions. What story will you tell? How will interactive maps help you tell that story? 

Participant Groups

Entries will be judged in two divisions

Grades 4-8

Grades 9-12

Contest Eligibility 

• Eligibility is limited to students in grades 4–12 in public or nonpublic schools (including home schools). Students working independently or in clubs submit through their schools.

• Students may work by themselves or in teams of two, but they may participate in only one entry.

• Schools may submit up to five entries total to the VGA Contest Scoring Committee.

Calendar of Events

Informational Webinar: (Link) March 4, 2025 (7:00 p.m. EST)

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2025

Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025

Contest Rules and Criteria