National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge 2025 ($10,000 in Funding)

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About National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge

National Geographic Society thinks there is always a solution to a problem and that brilliant ideas may emerge from anyone. Young people in our community, aged 13 to 18, are invited to take up the challenge and submit a one-minute film outlining their solution for resolving environmental problems. Furthermore, the organization thinks that when we pool our thoughts, we can take action to save the environment and enhance our future.

A limited number of prize recipients from the submitted videos will be announced by the National Geographic Society on 14 May 2025, following their evaluation by a team of judges. Submissions may be considered for an unrestricted cash reward of up to $10,000. Funding for teams is distributed equally across members of the team. Recipients of awards are eligible to apply to join them in June 2025 for their renowned Explorers Festival. Other non-monetary prizes will be revealed at the Explorers Festival, including the People’s Choice and Explorer Connection awards. Each participant who submits a solution video will be invited to a virtual announcement and recognition ceremony and receive a digital certificate.

• Sponsor Organisation: The National Geographic Society

Benefits of National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge

• Submissions are eligible for an unrestricted cash reward of up to USD 10,000.
• Funding is distributed equitably among team members in the case of teams.
• Award winners can apply to visit their legendary Explorers Festival in June 2025.
• Non-monetary honors such as the People’s Choice Award and the Explorer Connection Award will be announced at the Explorers Festival.
• Participants who submit a solution video will be awarded a digital certificate and invited to a virtual announcement and recognition ceremony.

National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge Requirements

• Youth between 13 and 18 (at the time of submission) from any country worldwide can submit a video.
• Videos submitted for the 2025 challenge must be in Spanish or English. Subtitles are permitted, although not necessary. If they are included, they must be in either Spanish or English.
• Videos should have a clear call to action, promote positive change, and center around an environmental issue.
• Videos can be shot in horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) format, in English or Spanish, and cannot be more than 200 MB or one minute in length.
• Videos can be submitted by individuals or groups of up to six people. At admission, team members must be between 13 and 18.
• Every video must be unique or unprotected by copyright. Abide by the community standards for Videos for Change.

Selection Criteria:

A selection panel will choose a limited number of proposals to earn financing of up to USD 10,000. Reviewers will apply the subsequent standards:

• Issue Communicated Effectively:
  • Is an environmental issue addressed in the video and a solution relevant to at least one of the five topic areas?
  • Is the video a persuasive, evidence-based argument for why the topic is important?
• Emotional Impact:
  • Is the video evoking empathy, providing the audience a cause to care and act?
  • Is there a genuine personal connection between the participant(s) and the topic?
• Unique/Creative:
  • Is the solution inventive or unique in its approach to addressing the problem?
• Effective use of Video-Making Techniques:
  • Does the video match the technical entry requirements of one minute and original or copyright-free content?
  • Can the audience readily understand the video and audio?
  • Does the video employ distinct narrative strategies (e.g., styles, shot kinds) to convey a captivating message?
• Clear, Achievable Call to Action:
  • Is the answer obvious, attainable, and realistic?
  • Would the solution have a meaningful and quantifiable impact?
• Explorer Connection:
  • Is there any mention of inspiration or ideas from a National Geographic Explorer in the video?
• Community Connection:
  • Is the solution particular to the community, and does it engage community members as collaborators?

Application Date and Process

• Step 1: Register for the Slingshot Challenge here to get challenge updates.
• Step 2: Register on their Videos for Changewebsite. If you are under 18, you must submit a parent email address and have their permission to join.
• Step 3: Get the challenge toolkit here and register for a session.
• Step 4: Make and submit a 1-minute video to win $10,000 in financing.

Documents 

Quick Start Guide

Educator Toolkit

Participant Toolkit

Tips for Repeat Participants

Selection Criteria

Application Deadline

07 February, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

View details of National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge

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