National Geographic Society announces Slingshot Challenge

The National Geographic Society believes that changing the future of conservation begins with small steps: with great ideas that drive impact in your community. They believe that together, the ideas and actions will add up to progress protecting the planet and improving the future.

Funding Information

• A selection panel will evaluate submissions and select a small number of submissions to receive up to $10,000 USD in funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• They invite 13-18 year olds to rise to the challenge, and to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues.
• Youth may choose to work individually or as a team of up to six participants.
• Regardless of whether you work individually or in a team, all solutions will be expected to involve collaboration with peers, stakeholders, and/or marginalized communities.

Review Criteria 

• Reviewers will use the following criteria:
  • Issue Communicated Effectively:
    • Does the video and solution address an environmental issue related to at least one of the five topic areas?
    • Does the video make a compelling, evidence-based case for why the issue matters?
  • Emotional Impact:
    • Does the video build empathy, giving the audience a reason to care and take action?
    • Does the participant(s) demonstrate a sincere personal connection to the topic?
  • Unique/Creative:
    • Does the solution present a creative and/or original approach to address the issue?
    • Effective use of Video-Making Techniques
  • Does the video meet the technical entry requirements:
    • one minute, created from original or copyright-free material?
    • Can the video and audio be clearly understood by the audience?
    • Does the video use unique storytelling techniques (ie. styles, shot types) that provides a compelling message?
  • Clear, Achievable Call to Action:
    • Is the solution clear, achievable and realistic?
    • Would the solution result in relevant and measurable impact?
  • Explorer Connection:
    • Does the video reference inspiration or ideas from a National Geographic Explorer?
  • Community Connection:
    • Does the solution clearly address a specific issue in the community and involve community members as collaborators?

Application Requirements

• For the 2025 challenge, video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. If they are included, they must be in English or Spanish.
• Videos must focus on an environmental issue and inspire positive change, with a clear call to action.
• Videos must be in English or Spanish, no longer than one minute, no larger than 200 Mb and can be filmed in vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) format.
• Video submissions can be created by one person, or in teams of up to six members. Team members must be between the ages of 13 to 18 at the time of entry.
• All video content must be original or copyright-free.

For more information, visit National Geographic Society.