Join the 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge: Empower Ocean Solutions Through Education & Innovation
Deadline: 30 June 2025, 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time
Are you between 15 and 30 years old and passionate about protecting our oceans? The 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites young innovators worldwide to propose creative solutions that address pressing marine environmental issues. This year’s focus areas include:
- Marine Biodiversity & Conservation
- Marine Debris Reduction & Education
- Public-Private Collaboration for Marine Protection
Organized by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) in partnership with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the YIC empowers youth to lead change through innovation and environmental education.
About GEEP
The Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) is a dynamic international initiative dedicated to advancing environmental education (EE) around the world. Formed as a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Taiwan Ministry of Environment, and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), GEEP serves as a global platform to promote innovation, best practices, and collaboration in environmental education.
Mission & Vision
GEEP’s mission is to strengthen environmental education as a tool for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. It envisions a world where environmental literacy empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to make informed decisions and take responsible action to protect the planet.
Core Objectives
GEEP works to:
- Build global capacity for environmental education.
- Foster collaboration across countries and sectors.
- Promote effective EE practices, policies, and leadership.
- Support innovative programs like the Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) that encourage young people to lead environmental change.
Global Network
GEEP brings together environmental education leaders, organizations, educators, and policymakers from across the globe. It provides a platform for sharing tools, success stories, research, and professional development opportunities that elevate the role of EE worldwide.
What You’ll Gain
- Global Recognition: All 15 finalists will receive an official YIC certificate and be featured on GEEP, NAAEE, and partner platforms.
- Prize & Travel: Three winners will each receive a $1,000 USD prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the YIC award ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, in October 2025.
- Mentorship & Networking: Connect with experts and peers in marine conservation and environmental education.
Who Should Apply?
This challenge is open to individuals or teams aged 15–30 who are:
- Developing innovative solutions to marine environmental issues.
- Incorporating environmental education (EE) as a key component of their solution.
- Targeting a community—local, regional, or national—with their initiative.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Your submission should:
- Align with one or more of the following themes:
- Marine Biodiversity & Conservation
- Marine Debris Reduction & Education
- Public-Private Collaboration for Marine Protection
- Integrate Environmental Education: Demonstrate how your solution builds knowledge, skills, and values to inspire informed action.
- Be Innovative: Offer a new approach or apply existing ideas in a novel context.
- Be Feasible: Show how your solution can be realistically implemented and sustained.
- Be Informed: Base your solution on credible research and evidence.
Key Dates
- May 2025: Applicant webinar to learn tips and tricks for submitting a strong Youth Innovation Challenge video pitch and proposal. Registration information and a recording of the webinar will be posted to the program webpage.
- 30 June 2025: All applications due through Submittable by 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time.
- July–August 2025: Applications reviewed by YIC expert panel.
- September 2025: Finalists and winners notified. All applicants are welcome to request feedback about their submissions.
- October 2025: Winners attend award ceremony in Taiwan.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Proposal: Include a short (3 minutes or less) video pitch and detailed responses to application questions.
- Submit Online: Click here to submit your application.
- One Submission Per Person or Team: Ensure all team members are listed in the application.
Contact
For questions or more information, email: [email protected]
Ready to Make Waves?
Your innovative idea could be the key to a healthier ocean. Apply now and join a global community of young changemakers dedicated to marine conservation.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
