Now in its third year, the youth initiative encourages participants to use their voice for change
The National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation today announced the launch of the third year of the Slingshot Challenge, which encourages youth ages 13-18 from around the world to submit innovative ideas to inspire a more sustainable future in their communities. Previous Slingshot award recipients developed innovative solutions to environmental issues, from designing a global app that helps minimize food waste to creating a tree planting robot that improves reforestation efforts in Portugal’s mountains to restoring Mississippi’s threatened oyster reef population through community education and oyster gardens. Applications are now open, with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025.
During its first two years, the initiative reached a global audience with nearly 4,000 solution ideas submitted by youth in 110 countries and more than 5.3 million engagements on social media. Approximately 23,000 youth and 9,000 educators signed up for the challenge. The young conservationists participating in the Slingshot Challenge are developing the skills and resources necessary to be changemakers on the frontlines of our planet’s most pressing environmental issues. In the challenge’s second year, participants reported significant gains in their knowledge and attitudes, such as a 15% gain in their experience level taking action to contribute to positive change, a 25% gain in their belief they can make a difference, and a 22% increase in their confidence in knowing how to protect nature.
“At the National Geographic Society, we believe that no problem is unsolvable and great ideas come from all places, generations and communities,” said Deborah Grayson, the Society’s chief education officer. “The past two years of the challenge have proved that together, our bold ideas can lead to outstanding results that positively impact local and global communities. As we launch year three, I’m thrilled to see the passion and tenacious spirit that young people bring to the table.”
Participants may choose to work individually or as a team of up to six members, with an expectation to collaborate with peers, interested groups and/or local communities. They are asked to produce a one-minute video outlining an innovative solution to the following challenges: protecting nature, cleaning the air, restoring the ocean, reducing waste or addressing climate change. Along the way, award recipients have the opportunity to connect with the Society’s global network of National Geographic Explorers, who provide inspiration and mentorship.
“As we welcome new participants in year three of the Slingshot Challenge, we are also continuing to seed and nurture concepts from our previous award recipients by connecting them with mentors within the National Geographic network,” said Cat Martin, senior advisor for partnerships with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “The dynamic ideas coming from these young conservationists continue to be inspirational and give me hope for our environmental future.”
The Society is committed to investing in the next generation of Explorers, leaders and solution seekers through a variety of immersive and virtual learning experiences. 2023 Slingshot Challenge award recipient Soren Goldsmith, who was selected for his project “Save the Forests,” has continued to grow within the Society and was named a 2024 National Geographic Young Explorer for his project highlighting New England's elusive wildlife and urban ecosystems to promote policies that protect them.
"Being a part of the Slingshot Challenge has given me the tools I need to propel my work forward and make a greater impact in my community,” said National Geographic Young Explorer Soren Goldsmith. “From my initial entry into the Slingshot Challenge to becoming a National Geographic Young Explorer, the Society has continued to provide me with the support and empowerment needed to grow as a storyteller and conservationist. I can't wait to see what innovative solutions this year's Slingshot Challenge award recipients will come up with."
The Society will review all submissions, and a panel of experts will select a small number of projects to receive funding awards of up to $10,000 to further their journey. Once selected, award recipients will have the opportunity to attend the Society’s annual Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C., in June 2025. Youth interested in using their voice and ingenuity to create a more sustainable planet through solution-driven and impactful storytelling can sign up to learn more at the Slingshot Challenge website and watch the 2024 Slingshot Challenge Award celebration. The challenge closes on February 7, 2025.
About the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation
Founded in 1988 by philanthropists Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest to enhance the human experience of arts & culture, center under-served populations, and mobilize young people to make an impact. In addition, the foundation supports a global portfolio of nonprofit partners working across science and technology solutions to protect wildlife, preserve ocean health, and create lasting change. The foundation also funds the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which works to advance cutting-edge research in all areas of bioscience.
About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.