About
About 0Skips
0Skips exists to help young people build stronger futures through music, creativity, opportunity, and messages that matter.
The pilot combines student music, education funding, real-world skill building, and community support to create an experience that is about much more than a contest.
Make music. Earn money for your education. Make an impact.
Leadership Team
- Aaron Larson, M.S. — Executive Director
- Natalie Larson, M.S. — Director of Instructional Design & Student Experience
- April Steed, M.S. — Director of Digital Systems & Automation
- Logan Peart — Director of Sponsor Partnerships
Senior Advisors
- Alan J. Hawkins, Ph.D. — Senior Advisor, Research & Family Impact
- Spencer Larson, MBA — Senior Advisor, Strategy & Organizational Growth
0Skips is operated by 0Skips L3C, a Utah L3C and a for-profit entity; contributions are not tax-deductible. Write to hello@0skips.org or use the contact form. A person answers; it is not an automated address.
Contest details
Open to Utah students age 13 through senior year of high school.
You don't have to be a singer or songwriter to enter. Choose the path that fits you:
- AI-Assisted — Use AI tools to help create the music while you shape the idea, message, and final entry.
- Cover — Perform a song that already exists and add your 15-second Impact Message.
- Original — Write and perform your own song and build your entry around it.
- You can enter for free. The Artist Support Package is optional: $0 with sponsor or supporter funding, while funding lasts.
- Enter solo or with a group.
- Already have a song or video? You may be able to use something you already created and add the required Impact Message.
How it works
- Choose your path: AI-Assisted, Cover, or Original.
- Make your music video: Make your music video and add your 15-second Impact Message.
- Submit and improve: Submit your entry and get feedback you can use.
- Get heard: Go live on your own channel and get heard.
What your song is about: Your song should connect to ideas about education, work, relationships, and making major life decisions in a healthy sequence. These ideas are part of what Utah calls the Success Sequence.
15-Second Impact Message: End your video with a short message that connects your song to a Success Sequence idea and gives viewers something meaningful to think about or act on.
You can improve your entry
With the Artist Support Package you get up to three tries: your first submission plus up to two resubmissions. You can expect feedback within 5 business days. Get feedback, make changes, and try again before the deadline. The free entry is one submission, and you can upgrade the same entry if you want more chances to revise and resubmit.
What can you earn?
Earn money for your education as you participate — plus compete for bigger awards and Finale opportunities. Prize money is paid only into an eligible college savings (529) plan.
How entries are judged
Your entry is evaluated on the strength of your message, how well it connects to the contest theme, the quality of the music, and overall creativity and engagement. Money and popularity never change a judge's score. Who judges.
Under 18?
You can create a basic account, explore 0Skips and start planning on your own. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian gives permission before uploads, coaching, official submission, and any public or supporter-facing feature. If you are 18, you can give that permission yourself. What parents need to know.
School comes first
0Skips is designed to help your future, not get in its way. Build your future without neglecting what already matters: school, work, family and sleep.
Outside Utah?
The pilot is for Utah students. The more students in your state who express interest, the stronger the case for bringing 0Skips there in Season One. Help bring 0Skips to your state.
The 2027 season, in dates
- The season opens
- Friday, January 1, 2027
- Submissions close
- Friday, April 30, 2027, 11:59 PM Mountain
- Finalists Reveal
- Saturday, May 22, 2027
- The live Finale
- Saturday, June 5, 2027, 8:00 PM Eastern (6:00 PM Mountain)
- The next season opens
- Wednesday, September 1, 2027
Go deeper
The Finale · Who judges · Official contest rules · For sponsors