A Global Opportunity for Young Changemakers
The Climate Cardinals x ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition is an exciting opportunity for youth worldwide to share their perspectives on climate action and contribute to the global conversation on sustainability. With the support of ChallengeUS, this competition is designed to amplify youth voices and reward creative and innovative ideas through scholarship prizes, award recognition, and a global platform for emerging leaders.
About the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition
In this Winter 2025 cycle, ChallengeUS has teamed up with Climate Cardinals to focus on climate action through a compelling competition. Participants are invited to share how their personal experiences, lessons, or observations have shaped their approach to climate change, and how they plan to use these insights to further their climate goals.
By participating in this competition, you’ll gain access to a global network of passionate young changemakers, be eligible for cash prizes to support your education and professional journey, and enjoy public recognition for your exceptional work.
Key Dates:
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November 10 – Contest Opens
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January 16 – Contest Closes
Grand Prize & Category Awards
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Top Cash Prize: $500 (USD)
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Spotlight & Recognition: Grand Prize Winner and Category Winners will be featured in a biographical article by ChallengeUS.
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Certificates & Publication: All winners receive a Certificate of Achievement, and their submissions will be published by ChallengeUS.
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Access to Future Leaders Network: All participants will be welcomed into the global ChallengeUS Future Leaders Network.
Competition Categories
The Climate Cardinals x ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition offers four submission categories. You can submit to as many categories as you like to maximize your chances of winning. However, each participant can only win in one category.
1. Creative Writing
Express your thoughts through personal stories, essays, poems, memoirs, or other forms of creative writing. This category emphasizes originality, personal voice, and emotional depth.
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Word Limit: 1,250 words
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Format: PDF (11 or 12 pt font, Times New Roman or Arial)
2. Analytical Writing
Write an in-depth argumentative essay, research paper, or case study that tackles the climate challenge through evidence-based analysis and logical reasoning.
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Word Limit: 1,250 words
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Format: PDF (11 or 12 pt font, Times New Roman or Arial)
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Citation Style: Any (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)
3. Speech
Deliver a speech that communicates your unique perspective on climate action. You may use visual aids, but your focus should be on effective verbal communication and insight.
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Time Limit: 10 minutes
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Format: MP4 (high audio and video quality required)
4. Art
Create visual artwork (traditional or digital) that creatively interprets the theme of climate action. This category is open to various forms of media, including drawings, paintings, photographs, and mixed media.
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Format: PDF, JPEG, or PNG (high image quality required)
Eligibility & Guidelines
Eligibility:
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Open to high school and undergraduate students worldwide, including those on academic gap years or homeschooling.
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Submissions must be in English.
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Previous ChallengeUS participants are eligible, except for past Grand Prize winners.
Submission Guidelines:
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Submissions may not exceed the specified word or time limits for each category.
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Plagiarism or AI-generated content will result in disqualification.
How to Enter
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Submit Entries Here
Click below to submit your entry in any of the four categories:
Submit Creative Writing
Submit Analytical Writing
Submit Speech
Submit Art
Prizes & Recognition
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Grand Prize Winner: $500 (USD), Certificate of Achievement, published article by ChallengeUS, and membership in the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Network.
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Category Winners: Four students will be recognized with certificates and featured as Category Winners (one from each submission category).
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
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Clarity and Structure: How well is the message communicated in the chosen format?
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Depth and Originality: How insightful and innovative is the content?
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Engagement and Creativity: Does the submission capture the audience’s attention with compelling ideas and creative expression?
Frequently Asked Questions
When will contest results be announced?
Results will be released by March 2026. Due to high submission volume, individual updates or feedback will not be provided.
Can I submit to multiple categories?
Yes, we encourage you to submit to as many categories as possible. However, winners will be recognized in only one category.
Can previous participants enter again?
Yes, as long as they haven’t previously won the Grand Prize in any ChallengeUS competition.
Can I resubmit my entry before the deadline?
Yes, if you need to make changes to your submission, simply submit it again. Your latest submission will be considered the final one.
Don’t miss out on this chance to showcase your ideas and join a global network of youth leaders working toward climate solutions.
Scroll down to submit your entry today!
