Do you have aspiring songwriters at your library? They should definitely check out this contest! It’s for teens ages 15-19 who are unsigned songwriters and/or producers. The deadline to submit their original songs is March 10, 2008. Judging will be based on innovative lyrics that convey a positive message, as well as melody and composition.

And get this, winners will attend the 2008 Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Program (July 12–August 15), which immerses students in performance, music theory, and music technology, with electives focused on songwriting, music synthesis, and music business. Two of the three winners will receive the grand prize of a full scholarship, including tuition and room and board (each valued at $6,930). The second-place winner will receive a tuition-only scholarship (valued at $4,130). These three winners will also perform at the 2008 Peace Hip-Hop Festival on August 2 at Boston’s City Hall Plaza.

Here are the details:

Essence’s Take Back the Music campaign and Berklee College of Music are again looking for the next generation of hip-hop stars. Since 2005, Take Back the Music has examined the ways in which black women are depicted in popular music and videos. The campaign continues to promote balance in mainstream hip-hop’s messages, and remains the inspiration behind the third songwriting contest.

Entry forms and contest details are posted at Essence.com/takebackthemusic and Berklee.edu.