Mission:
To inspire teens to make healthier and safer decisions by offering them a creative approach to thinking through and discussing their lives, choices, and future.

Background:
Scenarios USA replicates and builds on the successes of Scenarios from the Sahel, a program developed in 1997 by a coalition of West African organizations that was an expansion of 3000 Scenarios Against a Virus, a 1993 film contest for young people created by a French group working in AIDS prevention. In Scenarios USA, youth ages 12 to 22 address issues such as peer pressure, body image, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, self-esteem, and commitment by writing stories for its annual What's the Real Deal? writing contest. Winners are partnered with professional filmmakers, who help turn the stories into short films. The films are used nationwide in schools and community groups, screened at film festivals and conferences worldwide, streamed on the Internet, and have appeared on cable and broadcast news programs. In the past five years, twelve winners have been selected from among 7,500 participants.

Outstanding Web Features:
Scenario USA's site includes links to the twelve completed short films and biographical information of the student writers and the acting and directing talent. The site also features Resources including information and guides for educators and youth. From the Contest Page, teens can access information on how to create a movie as well as links to media and health resources.