Student Opportunities

The Earth Prize is an annual, global $100,000 environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19, which rewards the teams whose projects have the most potential to address environmental issues. 

The Slingshot Challenge invites 13-18-year-olds to voice their ideas about the future of conservation work. Submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Action for Nature’s annual International Young Eco-Heroes Awards celebrates he environmental achievements of young people aged 8 to 16 for their innovative efforts to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and wildlife conservation.

The Rise Challenge starts at ages 15–17 and encourages a lifetime of service and learning by providing support (need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking, access to career development opportunities), and the potential for additional funding as Rise Global Winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems.

President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) is a U.S.-based program recognizing outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 students. The application period is open from October 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Winners are typically announced later in the year.

Trust for Sustainable Living is hosting an essay and video competition exploring sustainability topics, open to students worldwide. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2025. Winners are usually announced in the following months.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center invites high school students aged 14-19 worldwide to engage in a 3-month collaborative research project focused on climate action. The program runs from February 4 to April 29, 2025. Participants are expected to commit approximately 2-3 hours per week.

Columbia Climate School is hosting a 2-week campus-based summer program in Vermont for high school students (grades 9-12, including rising 9th graders) to mobilize action and drive impact in response to climate change. The program dates are June 29 to July 11, 2025. Application deadlines vary; interested students should check the official website for details.