Conferences & Competitions
Events where students can present ideas, compete, and meet environmental mentors.
Opportunities
International Youth Environmental Challenge 🌱
The International Youth Environmental Challenge (IYEC) is a global, free online competition empowering youth aged 18 and under to address climate and conservation issues. Participants worldwide showcase innovative environmental projects—via writing, video, or creative media—to connect with global peers, gain recognition, and drive local green solutions.
18 and under (High school age)
18 and under (High school age)
The Competition for Youth-Led Projects 🌍
The Competition for Youth-Led Projects, organized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Global Water Partnership, empowers youth to design practical community solutions for flood and drought resilience. Winners receive project funding grants and professional mentorship to implement local climate adaptation strategies. here.
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The Earth Prize
The Earth Prize is the world’s largest environmental sustainability competition for students aged 13 to 19. It empowers teenagers worldwide—participating individually or in teams—to develop creative, impactful solutions to real-world ecological challenges, offering expert mentorship and substantial funding prizes to bring their innovative green ideas to life.
Application open: Currently Open (for the upcoming cycle) Deadline: January/February
The Slingshot Challenge 🍁
Created by the National Geographic Society, this global competition invites youth aged 13 to 18 to share their ideas for protecting and restoring the planet. Participants create and submit a concise 1-minute video detailing a solution to an environmental issue across categories like restoring nature, cleaning the air, or addressing climate change. Winning projects can receive up to $10,000 in funding to help bring their idea to life.
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Climate Science Olympiad 👩🏿🔬
A global, 100% free-to-enter online competition for students ages 12–25 (with a specific division for high schoolers under 16 and ages 16–19). Participants can compete individually or in pairs to solve real-world climate problems through structured problem-solving rounds, essays, and proposals. It features a $15,000+ prize pool, fully virtual stages, and recognition for top global qualifiers.
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Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026 👨🔬
An international science competition for students aged 13–18. Participants create a two-minute video explaining an important concept in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. It is open to students from around the world and submissions are in English.
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🌊 Brilliant Blue Global Competition 2026
An international competition for students aged 12–18 to develop innovative solutions to ocean challenges. Teams can work on marine renewable energy, autonomous marine systems, or healthy marine life. The global competition takes place October 16–18, 2026.
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🌍 WAW Global Sustainability Competition 2026
An international competition for students worldwide to explore “Environmental Sustainability in the Age of AI.” Participants can enter individually or in teams through research/proposals, visual art/photography, or written work. No entry fee is listed for 2026.
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International Competition “Ecoview” 2026
The International Competition “Ecoview” invites students aged 14–18 to explore ecological and geographical topics through original research projects. Participants investigate environmental issues and use satellite imagery and remote-sensing data to support their research.
The competition is held online and brings together young researchers from around the world. Participants can develop their projects with guidance on working with satellite imagery and present their research during the final stage. Registration is open until October 31, 2026.
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) Competition
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is an international program run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that empowers youth ages 11–25 to investigate local environmental issues and propose solutions through investigative journalism, photojournalism, and video production.
Participants produce articles, photo stories, or short video reports detailing environmental challenges and sustainability actions in their local communities. Winners receive international recognition, featured publication on global FEE platforms, and official certificates.
EarthEcho Water Challenge & Global Eco-Events
The EarthEcho Water Challenge is an international, year-round program led by EarthEcho International that equips young people to monitor local water bodies, share environmental data on an open global platform, and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Participants gain free access to water-testing toolkits, virtual educational workshops, and youth leadership summits. By joining, students build practical scientific research skills while contributing to real-world global water conservation datasets.
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is an international online platform that invites students ages 11–18 to explore environmental issues through creative arts. Participants create original entries in visual art, creative writing, film, music, or interactive media focused on ocean protection and climate awareness.
Participants gain global exposure for their creative work and compete for cash awards up to $1,000. Every student receives access to educational resources on marine science and guidance on leveraging art for environmental advocacy.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition that encourages high school students ages 15–20 to tackle urgent water and environmental challenges. Participants conduct independent research projects focused on water quality improvement, marine conservation, wastewater treatment, or global water scarcity.
National winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden, to present their research at World Water Week. The international winner receives a $15,000 cash award, a crystal trophy, and global recognition from international water and environmental scientists.
The Young Climate Prize
The Young Climate Prize is an international program hosted by The World Around that recognizes and supports young people ages 13–18 who are leading environmental and climate action projects. The competition focuses on design-led, community-based solutions, storytelling, and practical initiatives that tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Selected applicants are paired with world-class mentors from global architecture, design, and science institutions. Mentors guide participants through specialized workshops to develop, scale, and present their local climate solutions to an international audience.
Youth Ocean Conservation Summit & Action Grants
The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (YOCS) empowers young people ages 13–18 to launch their own community-based marine conservation projects. Through virtual workshops, interactive planning sessions, and expert panels, participants learn how to design, fund, and manage local ocean protection initiatives.
Attendees gain access to dedicated project development toolkits, mentorship from marine scientists, and the opportunity to apply for seed micro-grants to finance their local conservation campaigns. Completing the summit connects students with a global network of youth ocean advocates and provides practical leadership experience.
Earth Partner Prize 2026
The Earth Partner Prize invites young creatives aged 14–30 from around the world to submit original work responding to the ecological crisis. Submissions can take many forms, including photography, film, spoken word, music, dance, fashion, new media, app development, and social media projects.
Participants are encouraged to explore themes such as climate justice, wildlife and ecosystem conservation, grassroots activism, regeneration, and the impacts of the climate crisis. Eight finalists will receive cash prizes, while 20 additional creatives will receive honourable mentions. The submission deadline is October 7, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Global Youth Innovation & Agri-Food Summit
World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Innovation Challenge
Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Food Forum (WFF) is an independent, global network of youth dedicated to transforming agri-food systems. The program hosts annual global youth competitions, policy tracks, and innovation challenges aimed at addressing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Participants ages 13–18 can present their innovative technology, policy, or educational solutions to an international panel of experts. Selected youth finalists gain global exposure, mentorship from industry leaders, and invitations to participate in the flagship summit in Rome, Italy, or virtually worldwide.
Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Food Forum (WFF) is an independent, global network of youth dedicated to transforming agri-food systems. The program hosts annual global youth competitions, policy tracks, and innovation challenges aimed at addressing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Participants ages 13–18 can present their innovative technology, policy, or educational solutions to an international panel of experts. Selected youth finalists gain global exposure, mentorship from industry leaders, and invitations to participate in the flagship summit in Rome, Italy, or virtually worldwide.
High Schoolers (Grades 9–12 / Ages 14–18)
World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest
Organized by Population Education, the World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest challenges high school students globally to create a 60-second video addressing pressing global sustainability challenges. Focus topics include sustainable agriculture, ocean health, climate resilience, and resource conservation. Participants must analyze how global population growth connects to their chosen environmental topic and present a concrete, viable solution. Winners receive cash prizes up to $1,200, international recognition, and publication of their advocacy videos across global youth networks.
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High Schoolers (Ages 13–18 / Grades 9–12)
Caring for Our Watersheds Contest & Project Implementation Grants
Sponsored by Nutrien and Earth Partnership, Caring for Our Watersheds asks high school students to answer a single question: "What can you do to improve your watershed?" Students submit realistic, action-oriented proposals targeting water quality, soil health, or community waste management. Finalists compete for cash rewards up to $1,000 for themselves, plus matching funds for their schools or youth organizations. In addition, the program provides over $10,000 in dedicated project implementation funding to help high schoolers bring their environmental plans from paper to reality in their local communities.
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High Schoolers & Middle Schoolers (Grades K–12 / Ages 13–18)
EcoRise Student Innovation Fund
Managed by EcoRise, the Student Innovation Fund empowers high schoolers to design, pitch, and fund tangible sustainability projects within their schools and local communities. Students perform environmental audits (such as measuring energy usage, waste management, or water consumption) and develop data-backed solutions. Student teams can apply for micro-grants up to $700 to bring their eco-audited plans to life—funding projects like outdoor living classrooms, pollinator gardens, campus composting systems, and green infrastructure. High schoolers gain hands-on experience in project budgeting, design thinking, and community leadership.
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Young Environmental Leaders (Ages 18–30) & High School Advocates
UNEP Young Champions of the Earth
Run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this global prize identifies young leaders with big ideas to protect or restore the environment. Selected champions receive seed funding, tailored training, and high-level mentorship to scale their environmental solutions on an international stage.
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High School, College & University Students
Project Green Challenge 2026
Project Green Challenge is a free, 30-day global environmental challenge for students, featuring daily activities focused on climate action, sustainability, and environmental awareness. Participants complete challenges, earn points, and develop practical skills while exploring ways to create positive environmental change. The challenge runs from October 1–30, 2026.
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Middle School & High School Students
A Students Challenge for the Global Goals 2026
A Students Challenge for the Global Goals is a free international innovation challenge for K–12 students. Participants explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and develop creative, technology-based solutions to global challenges, including sustainability. Registration is open until December 31, 2026.
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Middle School & High School Students
2026 CIPP Global Youth Innovation Campaign
The 2026 CIPP Global Youth Innovation Campaign invites young people aged 11–17 to create original projects addressing global challenges and promoting a more sustainable and peaceful future. Students can participate individually or in teams, with registration open until October 31, 2026.
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High School Students & Young Adults
YSP Global Policy Brief Competition 2026
The YSP Global Policy Brief Competition invites young people worldwide to explore climate policy and propose practical solutions for a more sustainable future. High-school students can enter the Junior category by writing a 600–900-word policy brief on fossil-fuel subsidy reform. The competition is free to enter and closes October 15, 2026.
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High School Students
Changemaker Green Challenge 2026
The Changemaker Green Challenge invites high school students to create innovative projects that address environmental issues such as climate change, waste, sustainable living, and biodiversity. Participants can receive project funding and opportunities to develop their ideas into real-world solutions, with applications open until November 8, 2026.
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High School Students (Grades 9–12)
Bennington Young Scientists Awards 2026–2027
The Bennington Young Scientists Awards invite high school students worldwide to submit an original visual work exploring the natural world, such as a scientific illustration, field guide, research poster, or process diagram. Entry is free, and selected students can receive cash prizes of up to $2,000, recognition, publication, and showcase opportunities. Submissions close November 1, 2026.
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University Students
Global Sustainability Challenge 2026–27
The Global Sustainability Challenge brings university students from around the world together to design, develop, and showcase real-world solutions to urgent sustainability challenges. Teams receive expert mentorship, workshops, feedback, and opportunities to compete in regional and global finals, with a prize pool of more than US$35,000. The 2026–27 challenge is currently open.
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Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Global Circular Challenge 2026
The Global Circular Challenge is a free 7-week international challenge where university students work in teams to develop innovative solutions for a more circular and sustainable fashion industry. Participants learn design-thinking methods, receive expert feedback, and develop a solution addressing waste, resource use, and environmental impact. The challenge runs from October 7 to November 21, 2026.
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Youth, Students & Young Innovators
AI4Climate Global Youth Climate Solutions Challenge 2026
The AI4Climate Global Youth Climate Solutions Challenge invites participants worldwide to develop practical AI solutions to real climate problems. Participants can work individually or in teams on challenges such as climate-smart agriculture, coastal resilience, marine ecosystems, flooding, disaster risk, and desertification. The challenge is free to enter, with a total prize pool of ¥48,000+, and submissions close October 16, 2026.
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Youth (13-18)
Global Appathon 2026-2027
Take part in a free global virtual app-building challenge focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Young participants can work individually or in teams to create an app addressing a real-world challenge and develop technology, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
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High Schoolers (Grades 9–12 / Ages 14–19)
NCF-Envirothon Competition
As North America's premier high school environmental competition, the NCF-Envirothon challenges student teams in hands-on field testing covering forestry, aquatics, soils, and wildlife conservation to compete for scholarships and global recognition.
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High Schoolers (Grades 9–12 / Ages 14–18)
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) - Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences
ISEF's environmental engineering and Earth sciences categories offer high school students the opportunity to present original scientific research to international experts, competing for millions of dollars in university scholarships and special sustainability awards.
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International Youth (Ages 13–25)
The World Around Young Climate Prize
Open to young changemakers worldwide, this prestigious international prize and three-year fellowship pairs youth-led climate initiative founders with world-class design and sustainability mentors, offering fully funded travel to New York City to showcase their projects on a global stage.
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International Students & High Schoolers (Ages 7–18)
Trust for Sustainable Living International Student Essay & Policy Competition
Organized annually by the Trust for Sustainable Living, this global competition invites primary and secondary students worldwide to submit thought-provoking essays and videos on critical sustainability themes, culminating in an international schools debate and awards ceremony for top student thinkers.
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International Teenagers (Ages 13–19)
Emerging Earth Leaders Program
Facilitated globally by Earth Charter International, this online training program equips teenagers worldwide with core competencies in sustainability ethics, systemic thinking, and environmental stewardship, empowering them to design and implement impactful local action projects.
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International Youth (Ages 13–18)
Clean Tech Competition
Hosted by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, this global competition encourages high school students from around the world to identify environmental problems and engineer clean technology solutions—ranging from renewable energy to waste reduction—competing for project grants, international recognition, and cash awards up to $10,000.
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International Primary & Secondary Students (Ages 11–19)
Science Without Borders Challenge
Organized annually by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, this free international contest engages youth in marine conservation by inviting them to create original artwork tackling pressing ocean science themes, competing for scholarships up to $500 to support their education and creative projects.
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