Prom is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: it's time to bust out the duct tape. Prom and duct tape seem like an oxymoron, but for some students, it's a scholarship winning combination.
Read on to learn more about the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, which is currently celebrating its 26th year of creative prom fashion.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: 6/3/26
The Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest is open to high school and homeschool students who create and wear prom attire made entirely from Duck® Brand Duct Tape! Students may enter the Contest as individuals only. You are NOT required to attend prom to enter.
The Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest is open to high school and homeschool students who create and wear prom attire made entirely from Duck® Brand Duct Tape! Students may enter the Contest as individuals only.
You are NOT required to attend prom to enter. It's prom season in the United States, and high school students are planning for this iconic night.
Read on to see how to enter the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest in 2026.
A minimum of one photo showing them wearing their Duck Tape prom outfit.
A written essay or video that details their creative process.
What is the 2025 Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest?
High school juniors are working on finalizing the 2026 prom theme, while seniors are eager to make memories at their final high school dance. Prom is a high school tradition that's sticking, and Duck Brand is here for it once again.How to Enter the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest in 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To enter the Stuck at Prom contest, students must create and wear duct tape prom attire. This includes the option of a complete dress or tuxedo and accessories made using Duck brand duct tape and/or crafting tape. Other materials, in addition to Duck® brand duct tape, may be used or incorporated into the design.What You Need to Submit
Entry Deadline and Timeline
Students must submit their application by June 3, 2026. The expert judges will then have until June 18, 2026, to narrow down the field into the top finalists. Online voting will take place between June 29 - July 13, 2026. The winners will be announced on, or around, July 20, 2026.How Entries Are Judged: Duck Tape Prom Scholarship Criteria
Once the submission period ends, a panel of judges will choose five finalists from both Duck Tape prom dress and tuxedo categories.Phase 1: Expert Judge Evaluation
A panel of expert judges will evaluate all entries based upon the following principles: Workmanship – Quality, Neatness, Attention to Detail Originality – Uniqueness, Inventiveness, Creativity, Original Thought Use of Colors – Combination, Integration, Harmony Accessories – Accentuating, Completing Use of Duck Brand Duct Tape – Specific Tapes, Construction of MaterialsPhase 2: Online Public Voting
Once finalists are selected and notified, online voting for Best Duck Tape Prom Dress and Best Duck Tape Tuxedo will begin. Voters may vote for the finalist and category entry of their choice. Online voting is limited to one vote per day in each of the Dress and the Tux Categories. To have the best chance of winning the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, finalists are encouraged to share their photos on social media, by word of mouth, and with local news outlets.Grand Prize: (2) $10,000 Scholarship
The finalists in each category with the most votes by July 9, 2025, will win $10,000.Runner-Up Prizes: (8) $1,000 Scholarships
Eight runners-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a $100 Duck Brand prize pack.Judges' Choice Awards
Three of the top 10 finalists will also receive a $1,000 scholarship. These will be awarded under Runway Worthy, Most Inspiring, and Trust E.’s Choice. This year, the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest is introducing a new category: the Red, White, & Made by You Category. To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, four entries with the most patriotic designs will win $250.Making the Most of Your Scholarship Search Like Stuck at Prom
A rewarding and unique scholarship application experience, the duct tape prom scholarship is not the only silly and fun scholarship opportunity available to students. Applying for scholarships doesn't have to be as boring as filling out form after form. There are plenty of scholarship applications that require students to flex their creative muscles. As you approach your scholarship search, try to apply for a variety of opportunities with varying application requirements. You won't get bored. If your time is limited, consider applying for quick and easy scholarships. Most of our featured scholarships take less than five minutes to apply for! High school, college, and grad students should create their FREE Fastweb profile, too! From this, you'll get matched to scholarships that fit YOU!You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
