What is the Slingshot Challenge?

What is the Slingshot Challenge?

The Slingshot Challenge is a global environmental competition for youth aged 13–18, organized by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Videos for Change. It encourages young people to identify a local environmental problem and propose an innovative solution through a one-minute video.

Slingshot Challenge Key Details

• Target Audience: Students aged 13–18 worldwide.
• Task: Create a 1-minute video (in English or Spanish) proposing a solution to an environmental issue.
• Focus Areas:
  1. Cleaning the air
  2. Restoring the ocean
  3. Protecting nature
  4. Reducing waste
  5. Addressing climate change
• Awards: Winners may receive up to $10,000 USD to support their project.
• Recognition: Top participants are often invited to the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C.

How to Participate

1. Register: Sign up on the official Slingshot Challenge website.
2. Learn & Design: Use toolkits and attend virtual workshops (Solution Design Labs) to develop your idea.
3. Create & Submit: Produce your 1-minute video and submit it via the Videos for Change platform.
4. Deadline: February 6, 2026 (for the current cycle).

How I Participated in the Slingshot Challenge

I participated in the Slingshot Challenge, a global environmental competition for youth aged 13–18 organized by the National Geographic Society, in partnership with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Videos for Change. The challenge focuses on identifying local environmental problems and proposing innovative solutions through a one-minute video. Here’s how I went through the process:

1. Registration

I started by visiting the official Slingshot Challenge website and registering as a participant. This allowed me to access resources and submit my project when it was ready.

2. Learning & Designing

After registering, I explored the Solution Design Labs, which are virtual workshops provided by the organizers. These helped me refine my idea, think creatively, and plan a clear solution to an environmental problem in my community. I also used the toolkits to guide my design process and understand how to communicate my solution effectively in a short video.

3. Choosing a Problem & Solution

I chose Reducing Waste as the environmental problem I wanted to address. This is because i was able to identified ways to minimize waste in my community and came up with an innovative solution that was practical and could be explained clearly in one minute. I focused on showing how my solution could reduce waste, create awareness, and make a positive impact on the environment.

4. Creating the Video

Next, I produced a 1-minute video that explained my solution. I used either English or Spanish, depending on my preference, and made sure my video was engaging, clear, and visually appealing. I focused on showing the problem, my solution, and the potential impact.

5. Submitting the Video

Once my video was complete, I submitted it through the Videos for Change platform before the official deadline, which for this cycle is February 6, 2026.

6. Recognition & Awards

By participating, I had a chance to win up to some USD to fund my project and potentially be invited to the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C. Even if I didn’t win, participating gave me valuable experience in problem-solving, video creation, and environmental advocacy.