Applications have opened for the Slingshot Challenge, a global initiative inviting young people aged 13 to 18 to put forward ideas that address environmental challenges in their communities.
Supported by the National Geographic Society in partnership with Allen Family Philanthropies, the challenge aims to nurture youth-led solutions while amplifying the voices of young people in environmental conservation.
The programme recognises that when young people develop practical ideas rooted in their own environments, those efforts can collectively contribute to protecting the planet and improving the future.
Empowering Youth to Lead Local Solutions
The challenge encourages participants to look closely at environmental issues affecting their surroundings and respond with creative, achievable solutions.
With guidance from National Geographic Explorers, young people are supported to better understand environmental topics and translate their ideas into clear proposals that demonstrate real-world impact.
Participants are invited to submit solutions that fall within one or more of the following focus areas:
- Clean the air
- Restore the ocean
- Protect nature
- Reduce waste
- Address climate change
Solutions may focus on a single issue or combine multiple themes, as long as they clearly explain the problem and outline a thoughtful response.
How the Challenge Works
To participate, interested youth must first register through the official Slingshot Challenge website. Applicants under 18 are required to provide a parent or guardian’s email address to obtain consent.
Once registered, participants can:
- Download a challenge toolkit to help shape their ideas
- Sign up for workshops that offer guidance on solution-building and storytelling
- Develop a one-minute video explaining their proposed solution
The video submission is a core requirement of the challenge and must be uploaded through the Videos for Change platform, which supports young people globally to use short-form video as a tool for social and environmental change.
All submissions for this cycle must be completed by February 6, 2026.
Funding, Visibility, and Global Reach
Outstanding submissions stand a chance to receive up to USD 10,000 in funding to support the development or scaling of their ideas.
In addition to financial support, selected videos may be amplified through National Geographic’s global platforms, giving young innovators international exposure and the opportunity to inspire action beyond their local communities.
The challenge is implemented in collaboration with Videos for Change, a global youth storytelling initiative that has, since 2015, enabled thousands of young people to share perspectives and solutions shaped by their cultural and community realities.
Allen Family Philanthropies, founded in 1988, supports work that empowers young people, advances environmental protection and strengthens communities worldwide.
Through initiatives such as the Slingshot Challenge, the foundation continues to invest in youth-driven approaches to long-term environmental and social impact.
As applications open, the Slingshot Challenge offers young people a practical platform to turn ideas into action—demonstrating that even small, local solutions can contribute to meaningful progress for the planet.
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