Slingshot Challenge

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The Slingshot Challenge is Open!

The Slingshot Challenge is open for submissions! We’re challenging 13-18 year olds, like you, to create a one-minute video sharing your solutions for addressing our most pressing environmental issues. This is your opportunity to share your ideas for slingshotting our planet forward! Sign up to get started today!

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Supported by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Slingshot Challenge invites young people like yourself to come up with ideas to create a brighter future. Curious how to get started? First, choose one or more of our five topic areas that you feel most passionate about:

• Addressing climate change
• Reducing waste
• Protecting nature
• Cleaning the air
• Restoring the ocean 

Next, start to think of a solution to address your chosen topic area. Remember, we are looking for ALL solutions—no idea is too big or too small. When you’ve settled on a solution, create and submit your 1-minute video detailing your idea for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding. If you’re looking for more information before getting started, we have you covered. For more details on the challenge and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Resources page. To see the award recipients and example submissions from previous years, visit our Slingshot Showcase. And, if you’re looking to brainstorm your ideas, be sure to sign up to attend a virtual Solution Design Labor Office Hours session where you can receive advice and support along the way. See below for entry requirements and don’t forget to submit your video by February 7, 2025. Good luck!

Entry Requirements:

Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your video:

1. Videos must focus on a social issue and inspire positive change, with a clear call to action.

2) Videos must be no longer than one minute, and no larger than 200 Mb.

3) Video entries can be created by one person, or in teams of up to six members.

4) All video content must be your own original work. Care must be taken with any other material to ensure you have copyright approval and that it follows the Videos for Change community guidelines.

5) Videos must be in English or Spanish.

Awards

SLINGSHOT CHALLENGE TOP HONORS AWARD

Awarded to 5 entries (teams) from around the globe, as determined by the selection panel. Award recipients will receive funding of $10,000 to support them in slingshotting their solutions and our planet forward.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER CONNECTION AWARD

For the video that draws the best connection to the work of a National Geographic Explorer.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

The People’s Choice Award will be given to the video that receives the highest number of votes during the voting period.

SLINGSHOT CHALLENGE SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Awarded to 10 entries (teams) from around the globe, as determined by the selection panel. Award recipients will receive funding of $1,000 to support them in slingshotting their solutions and our planet forward.

SLINGSHOT CHALLENGE HONORABLE MENTION AWARD

Entries selected to feature in the awardee showcase to spotlight their solutions and amplify their voices as agents of change.