For the fifth year, girls in grades five through eight across the Ocean State are being invited to apply for a chance to become “Governor for a Day.”

Gov. Gina Raimondo recently announced this year’s competition, which is held in conjunction with Women’s History Month.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen young people speaking up and engaging in our democracy. We’ve also seen more women in public office than ever before,” Raimondo said in a statement. “But women still make up less than a quarter of representatives in Congress and there are only nine female governors. You can’t be what you can’t see. Despite our progress, too many young girls grow up without seeing themselves represented in their government. It’s important to me that young girls know that their ideas and their futures are limitless.”

Girls who apply are asked to answer the question “What would you do as Rhode Island’s Governor for a Day?” As in past years, applicants may write a 400-word essay in response to the question. This year’s competition also adds a new way to respond – through a one or two-minute video.

The winner will spend a day this spring as Rhode Island’s “Governor for a Day,” meeting with Raimondo and leaders across state government.

The application deadline for this year’s contest is March 15. Students must submit the following information along with their essay or video: name, age, school, grade, home address, phone number, email address, teacher’s contact information, parent or guardian name(s), and parent or guardian phone number.

Applicants may email their essays or videos as an attachment to communications@governor.ri.gov. Google documents or other file sharing services will not be accepted. Videos must be no larger than 14MB, no longer than two minutes, and emailed as an attachment. Email submissions must include “2019 GFAD” in the subject line. The governor’s office will confirm that submissions have been received within 24 hours, or 72 hours on weekends.

Essays may also be mailed to “Governor for a Day” Essay Contest, c/o Governor’s Communications Office, 82 Smith St., Room 110, Providence, RI 02903.