The Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a worldwide competition for youth ages 13-18 to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. Categories include “Energy and Environment”. Ideas are submitted by student teams, which can be international, if desired. There is a fee for team registration (discounted rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances). The winning teams are offered seed money to continue the development of their ideas. The application deadline for the activation stage (phase 1) is 01 November 2024. Link to the challenge
youth
Earth Prize — Student Environmental Projects
The Earth Prize is an annual, global environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19. The Earth Prize will reward seven regional winners, each receiving $12,500 to implement their ideas. The regions are Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central & South America. Additionally, The Earth Prize will recognize three mentors and three educators of the year, awarding each $2,500. The registration phase closes on 30 November 2024. Earth Prize
UNESCO — Young Professionals Program
UNESCO invites applications for the UNESCO Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at UNESCO. The program is designed for university graduates and young professionals from non- and under-represented Member States. Applicants should have an advanced university degree; be fluent in English or French; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 20 applicants are accepted into the program. UNESCO Young Professionals Program
Global Center on Adaptation — Climate Adaption Video Competition
For the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, the Global Center on Adaptation seeks one-minute videos on “My Climate Adaptation Solution.” The competition is open to youth between 18-35 years old who want to showcase their fight against climate change. The competition closes on 26 September 2024. Climate Adaption Video Competition
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Children and Youths”
The RISK Award seeks operational field projects in risk reduction and disaster management. The prize will provide financial support of €100 thousand to projects dedicated to increasing people’s resilience to risks and disasters, especially in developing countries. The submitted projects may emphasize the importance of children and young people as agents of change. There are no eligibility restrictions but research institutions and NGOs are especially encouraged to submit. Projects have to be submitted by 17 October 2024. More
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2024
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 18 October 2024. Commonwealth Youth Awards
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation — Poster Contest
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “Composting in My Community”. The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2025 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The contest runs until 01 November 2024. About the poster contest
Pulitzer Center — Local Letters for Global Change
Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 15 November 2024. Letters for Global Change
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation — Science without Borders Challenge 2025
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Marine Keystone Species.” Students are asked to use their artistic talents to create a piece of art featuring a keystone species that lives in the ocean, highlighting this creature’s vital role in its marine ecosystem. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 03 March 2025. Science Without Borders Challenge
UNESCO — Global Youth Grant Scheme
UNESCO announces the launch of a grant scheme to support youth projects across all regions. UNESCO will support youth-led projects that address challenges affecting the well-being and development of young people and their communities. Grants between US$5,000 and US$10 thousand will be awarded to young leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth organizations to help them create and implement solutions for social impact. The Grant Scheme will support project leaders aged from 18 to 30 years old. The deadline to submit project proposals is 30 September 2024. Global Youth Grant Scheme