The 2008 Student Artist Competition celebrates the values and documents the successes of education in Indian communities and is open to American Indian and Alaska Native students in grades Pre-K through 12. Through this competition, OIE seeks to inspire students to explore the connection between education and Native culture.

The 2008 competition for the first time will include a personal narrative category for writers from grades six through 12. Entries for the 2008 Native American Student Artist Competition should relate to the theme Circle of Empowerment: Education, Language, Culture, Tradition and reflect the promise and importance of pursuing an education for Native youth. Submissions will be judged in six grade levels, and prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category.