Despite whether they have any previous experience building websites, interested students at the University of Nevada, Reno will have free website software and web hosting until the end of December 2011, and the opportunity to win a share of $18,000 being awarded to students who build the best sites in a University-wide student competition.

The Crexendo University Program (UP) is a college program sponsored by Crexendo Business Solutions, Inc. that offers the Crexendo Website Competition to college students at select U.S. universities. Students are provided with free website hosting and a chance to build and manage a fully functioning website using the Crexendo web-building platform, the eCommerce Content Management System (CMS) software. They also have the opportunity to win some hefty prizes — $7,500 for first place, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place, and $500 for six runner-ups.

“The competition will allow participating students to get their creative juices going and pursue their ideas,” said Ben Tedore, web communications specialist for the Nevada Small Business Development Center in the University’s College of Business. “Having this competition on campus creates a richer experience for those that want to go above and beyond,”

Crexendo CEO Steve Mihaylo will be on campus for a kick-off event 5 – 8 p.m., Sept. 8 in Knowledge Center, Room 124. More information will be given at the kick-off, as well as training led by Parker Garlitz, Crexendo’s vice president of web marketing. The event is free and open to all students, and refreshments will be available. Door prizes will also be presented, including a couple of iPods, an iPad and some gift cards. Students are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. Interested students must register for the competition by 5 p.m., Sept. 13. Participating students will be sent emails and will be offered consistent support throughout the competition with weekly webinars. The competition ends Nov. 28, and awards will be announced Dec. 1.

Tedore encourages students to enter the contest.

“It’s designed to give students applied learning experience with Internet marketing, web design, E-commerce and social media,” he said. “And best of all, there is no cost involved, except for their time, and amazing rewards are offered.”

Tedore said that both students and Crexendo benefit from this event. Students will get applied experience, and Crexendo gets valuable feedback from college students, as well as the opportunity to get them using their products.

“Many tech companies like to get involved with universities because they know universities are where the future workforce comes from,” Tedore said. If students learn to use a certain type of software or technology, then there is a large chance that they may continue using it as they move into their future careers.”

Previous universities that have partnered with Crexendo include CSU Fullerton and Brigham Young University. Crexendo plans to extend the competition to other universities in the future.