ELIGIBILITY:

The Youth Innovation Challenge is intended for young leaders and innovators aged 15–30. Your innovative solutions must provide a solution to one of the following key areas, using environmental education as a key
component:

Taking personal action to reduce waste and marine debris, such as reducing and/or mitigating the effects of marine debris and other waste, including the monitoring, clean-up, and recycling of marine debris.

Developing marine debris strategies that address community and societal impact, including educating communities about how they can address these issues.

Advancing global marine protection through collaboration, partnerships, and policy. Solutions must be submitted online through Submittable (only one proposal per person or team will be accepted). See important guidance in the Selection Criteria below.

Proposals will only be accepted in English at this time. Your video pitch and written responses will not be scored based on your English proficiency but rather the strength of your solution and your ability to communicate your ideas and vision to the judges.

BENEFIT:

All eligible proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts working at
the intersection of environmental education, community engagement,
and marine conservation. A total of 15 YIC finalists will be selected and
will receive the following benefits:

An official YIC finalist certificate

Recognition through GEEP, NAAEE, and other global partners’ websites and social media pages

They will select 3 winners from the 15 YIC finalists. Each winner will receive a $1,000 USD prize, in addition to all the benefits listed above, and will be invited to attend the YIC award ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan in September 2026 (all travel expenses covered)