Young people aged 13 to 18 from around the world are invited to participate in the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge 2027, an opportunity designed to empower the next generation of conservation leaders to develop creative solutions to environmental challenges. The challenge invites teenagers to identify an environmental issue that matters to them and submit a one-minute video explaining their idea for addressing it. Selected participants have the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 USD to help bring their conservation ideas to life. The National Geographic Society, Allen Family Philanthropies and RBC Foundation support the Slingshot Challenge. Submissions for the current challenge are due by February 5, 2027. About the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge The Slingshot Challenge is built around the idea that meaningful environmental change can begin with small, creative actions within local communities. The initiative encourages young people to think about conservation challenges affecting their communities and develop practical ideas for creating positive environmental impact. Participants do not need to wait until they are adults to contribute to conservation. Through the challenge, teenagers can explore environmental problems, develop their ideas, connect with peers and potentially receive funding to turn their concepts into action. The programme emphasizes that solutions to environmental challenges can come from many places and that young people can play an important role in building a more sustainable future. Who Can Participate? The Slingshot Challenge is open to young people aged 13 to 18. Participants should have an idea for addressing an environmental or conservation issue and be prepared to explain their proposed solution in a short video. The opportunity is particularly suitable for teenagers interested in areas such as: Environmental conservation Climate and sustainability Biodiversity Community-based environmental action Protection of natural resources Environmental education Innovative conservation solutions The challenge is designed for young people from different communities and encourages participants to develop ideas connected to issues they see around them. What Can Participants Win? Participants have a chance to receive up to $10,000 USD to help bring their environmental idea to life. The funding opportunity is intended to support the implementation of selected ideas rather than simply reward participation. Because the challenge is centered on practical solutions, applicants should focus on clearly communicating the environmental problem they want to address, their proposed solution and the potential impact their idea could have. The exact amount awarded can be up to $10,000 USD, meaning the maximum amount should not be interpreted as a guaranteed award for every selected participant. How the Slingshot Challenge Works The challenge follows a three-step process designed to help participants develop and submit their ideas. 1. Join the Challenge Young people aged 13–18 must first register for the Slingshot Challenge through the designated Videos for Change platform. Participants under 18 will need a guardian’s email address and consent to participate. 2. Develop Your Idea After registering, participants can access educational resources and participate in virtual sessions designed to help them brainstorm and strengthen their ideas. The available materials can help participants explore environmental issues, develop their concepts and connect with other young people interested in creating change. Participants are encouraged to use these resources to refine their ideas before preparing their final submission. 3. Submit a One-Minute Video The final submission is a one-minute video describing the participant’s idea for solving an environmental issue. The video provides participants with an opportunity to explain the problem they have identified, present their proposed solution and communicate why their idea could make a difference. Participants should ensure their submission follows the official challenge requirements before submitting it. Resources for Participants The Slingshot Challenge provides additional resources to help young people prepare their submissions. Participants can explore toolkits, attend workshops and virtual sessions, find answers to common questions and access other materials designed to help them develop their ideas. Young people can also explore previous Slingshot Challenge award recipients and view examples of submissions from earlier participants. These examples can provide insight into the types of ideas young conservationists have developed through the programme. A StoryMap also highlights the global impact of young changemakers who have participated in the initiative. Application Deadline The deadline to submit an entry for the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge 2027 is February 5, 2027. Eligible participants are encouraged to register early and take advantage of the available resources, workshops and virtual sessions before preparing their one-minute video submission. How to Enter Young people aged 13–18 interested in participating should register through the official Slingshot Challenge platform and follow the instructions provided. Participants under 18 should have their guardian’s consent and email address available when registering. Questions about the programme can be directed to the Slingshot Challenge team at slingshot@ngs.org. 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