Attorney General Alan Wilson announces South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force calls for submissions to the 2026 Youth Poster Contest

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force is calling for student posters for the 2026 Youth Poster Contest, inviting middle and high school students across the state to create original artwork that raises awareness about human trafficking.

“Our efforts to combat human trafficking must be proactive as well as responsive,” said Attorney General Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force. “Prevention allows us to reach young people before exploitation occurs and equip them with greater awareness of the risks. Through efforts like TraffickProofSC and this poster contest, we are continuing to strengthen prevention and awareness among youth and families across South Carolina.”

This year's theme, "We Shine Better Together," challenges students to use their creativity and voice to highlight the power of community, connection, and collective action to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.

The contest is open to all students in grades 8 through 12 who reside in South Carolina, whether they attend public school, private school, or are homeschooled. Entries must be original artwork — copyrighted material and AI-generated images are not permitted — and must clearly incorporate the contest theme. Students may use any traditional or digital medium, including paint, crayons, stickers, or charcoal.

"Youth have an important voice in prevention, and we want them to see themselves as part of the solution,” said Monique Garvin, Director of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Force. "Through “We Shine Better Together,” students have an opportunity to use their creativity as a platform to start conversations and strengthen awareness in their own communities. Their participation reinforces that we all have a role in preventing human trafficking."

How to Enter

• Each student may submit one original piece of artwork, accompanied by a completed entry form.
• Digital submissions should be emailed to [email protected].
• Traditional artwork should be mailed to: PO Box 11549, Columbia, SC 29211.
• Artwork will be judged on message, visual appeal, and originality.
• Submissions containing nudity, profanity, or violent imagery will not be accepted.

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on September 15, 2026.

Prizes

• 1st Place: A meet-and-greet with the South Carolina Attorney General, complete with a certificate and plaque presentation; the winning artwork will be featured in the January SC Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign and in TraffickProofSC outreach and awareness materials; plus, a TraffickProofSC swag bag.
• 2nd Place: A meet-and-greet with the Attorney General, certificate and plaque presentation, and a TraffickProofSC swag bag.
• 3rd Place: A meet-and-greet with the Attorney General, certificate and plaque presentation, and a TraffickProofSC swag bag.

Winning artwork may also be used in future campaigns, on websites, and across social media to help spread awareness of human trafficking throughout South Carolina.

Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements, and the student entry form are available at traffickproofsc.org. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

The South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, housed within the South Carolina Attorney General's Office, leads the state’s multidisciplinary response to human trafficking. The Task Force leads statewide prevention efforts, strengthens systems, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and supports victim services and prosecution efforts across South Carolina. Initiatives include TraffickProofSC, the state’s first statewide prevention education program designed to educate youth about the realities of human trafficking.