Opportunity is knocking

Staff from mtvU and Billboard have put together an essay writing contest for college students

Billboard and mtvU have invited more than 800 colleges and universities to participate in a “Student Voice” music essay-writing contest to help music companies find new, young writers.

The three questions for the contest can be found at Billboard.com or mtvU.com.

A judging panel that will include the co-executive editor of Billboard magazine, Tamara Conniff and the president of MTV networks will review all essays.

The top essays will be published on both Web sites and a group of 21-35 writers will have an opportunity to write a column for “Student Eye,” a monthly column for Billboard magazine.

“Part of the purpose of the competition is to have a place for students to showcase their talent,” said mtvU manager of communication, Jason Rzepka. “We have mostly college viewers and we want college writers.”

Sharon Liventen, publicist for mtvU, said only MTV member schools, or campuses that carry MTV network cable like Fresno State, received invitations to compete in the competition. But all college writers are qualified to compete.

“We’re looking forward to offering some of today’s most promising college writers a presence in Billboard and on the newly re-launched Billboard.com,” Conniff said in a press release.

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