Doodle 4 Google Contest Launches

Google has announced its second annual Doodle 4 Google contest that allows students K-12 create a new logo for its homepage.

This year’s theme is "What I Wish for the World." Google has also partnered with the Smithsonian’s, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

From the Google Blog. "Their partnership also means that this year’s prizes not only include having your artwork on the Google homepage for a day, a college scholarship, and a technology grant for your school, but also having your work (and that of all 40 finalists) exhibited at a Smithsonian museum!"

Google says most of the contest is the same as last year but there are a few changes. "First, we’ve increased the college scholarship prize for the national winner to $15,000. We’ve also added a $10,000 prize for the school district that submits the most high-quality entries. Finally, in partnership with Cooper-Hewitt, we’ll be celebrating the 40 finalists and announcing the national winner in New York City, to coincide with the opening of the exhibit."

Only teachers or school employees can register their schools to participate. Registration for theDoodle 4 Google contest closes at 11:59 PM Pacific time on March, 17 and entries are due by 11:59 PM Pacific time on March 31, 2009.

The national winner will be announced at an event held at the Google New York Office on May 20,2009.