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Environment competitions for students under 18

Environment competitions want measurable impact, not just an idea. The strongest entries pair a local project you actually ran with data showing what changed. Many of these are free to enter and open internationally, which makes them a good first competition for a student outside the United States.

9 in this category · 4 free to enter · 3 available online

Environment GENIUS Olympiad An international project competition on environmental issues, spanning science, art, writing, business and robotics.

Grades8 to 12
CostNot confirmed
PreparationA completed project on an environmental theme, plus funds for the finalist fee and travel
FormatEither
WhereIn person

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Engineering Junior Solar Sprint Design and race a solar-powered model car, free, for middle school teams.

Grades4 to 8
CostFree to $150
FormatTeam
WhereIn person

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Robotics MATE ROV Competition Build an underwater remotely operated vehicle and run real ocean-industry missions in a pool.

Grades1 to 12
Cost$100 to $3,000
StructureDivisions by grade or level
FormatTeam
WhereIn person

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Science National Ocean Sciences Bowl A buzzer-based ocean science quiz competition for high school teams, run through regional bowls.

Grades9 to 12
CostFree to $300
FormatTeam
WhereIn person

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Environment NCF-Envirothon Field-based environmental science: teams are tested outdoors on soils, forestry, wildlife, water and a current issue.

Grades9 to 12
CostFree to $1,000
FormatTeam
WhereIn person

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Writing Ocean Awareness Contest A free international contest accepting art, writing, film, music and interactive media on a yearly ocean and climate theme.

Grades6 to 12
CostFree
StructureDivisions by grade or level
FormatEither
WhereOnline

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Environment Stockholm Junior Water Prize An international water research prize with national competitions in over thirty countries.

Grades9 to 12
CostFree
PreparationA completed water-related research paper
FormatEither
WhereIn person

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Environment The Earth Prize A global environmental sustainability competition for teenagers, free to enter, with a substantial prize pool.

Grades7 to 12
CostFree
FormatTeam
WhereOnline

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Engineering The Paradigm Challenge Solve a real social problem however you like, from age four upward, with a large prize pool.

Grades1 to 12
CostFree
StructureDivisions by grade or level
FormatEither
WhereOnline

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