Since then, more than 1.8 million students from over 57 countries have participated in the annual contest. The contest is open to young people worldwide, ages 11-13. One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners are chosen during the international finalist judging held in March.
Clubs sponsor the contest for local schools or organized, sponsored youth groups.
Students, ages 11-13, draw, sketch or paint their interpretation of the annual contest's theme. One winner is chosen per school or youth group to advance to district competition. On the district level, one winner is selected to go on to multiple district competition. The multiple district winner is forwarded to International Headquarters to compete in international semifinalist judging. Twenty-four posters representing the best efforts of the more than 325,000 children who enter annually are chosen to go on to international finalist competition.