Starting in September 2016, the project began calling for student submissions of their stories under the framework of the West China Story – Original Writing Competition. A panel of judges reads and reviews the submissions, with the best student entries earning platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as cash awards. Over 3,000 student entries are expected to join the 2017 competition, giving participants a fair and open platform on which to compete, share ideas, spotlight individual talents and local characteristics, and earn worldwide attention.