The environment is a growing concern, and so is demand for students entering environmental science. These competitions let you work on projects around a subject you care about while connecting you with a like-minded community. Here are some of the top environmental science competitions, with tips.
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Top Environmental Science Competitions for High School Students
International GENIUS Olympiad
The International GENIUS Olympiad is a global high school project competition focused on environmental awareness. It covers several categories, including environmental science, robotics, engineering, visual and performing arts, creative writing, and business.
Participants present their projects to a panel of judges, and winners may receive recognition, awards, and sometimes scholarships. Applications typically open in early March and close in mid-April, with a fee of around $50 per project. Confirm the current year’s dates on the GENIUS Olympiad site.
International BioGENEius Challenge
The International BioGENEius Challenge lets high schoolers present original research in biotechnology across different Challenge Tracks, including environmental science.
Organizers typically invite winners of national competitions in participating countries or regions to compete in the International BioGENEius Challenge. The application window is open until mid-May, and your research project must be ready to present.
Want to succeed in these competitions? Check out Rishab’s A-Z Science Fair Masterclass course, designed to help you improve and work your way to the international stage.
Envirothon
Envirothon is an international competition that tests high school students on natural resources conservation. It builds knowledge in Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues, with an annual theme tied to current environmental issues.
Teams have up to five students, with each ideally specializing in one or two areas. All levels except regional include a multiple-choice portion and an oral presentation responding to a prompt given a week or two in advance. When preparing the oral presentation, keep all your information and recommendations relevant to that prompt.
Earth Prize
The Earth Prize is an annual, global $100,000 environmental sustainability competition for students aged 13 to 19. It rewards the team whose project has the most potential to address environmental issues.
The general timeline runs as follows:
- September to November: students and supervisors register online, form teams, and complete the necessary information (registration typically closes around the end of November).
- December and January: participants work on their ideas and submit by the end of January.
- February: submissions meeting the requirements earn The Earth Foundation Scholar Distinction.
- February to April: the top 10 teams are selected as finalists, and winners and runners-up are announced around Earth Day (April 22).
If the competition is currently closed for the year, pre-register so you’re ready for the next cycle.
Interested in winning some of these competitions? Here is a blueprint for creating a research topic for your project.
National Ocean Sciences Bowl
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a prestigious high school competition in a quiz-bowl format that tests students on oceanography. It focuses on four main areas (biology, chemistry, geology, and the physical properties of the marine/coastal environment), with some knowledge expected in four more (social sciences, marine policy, geography, and technology).
Like the other competitions here, it starts at the regional level before advancing to state and national. Each team has four to five students and a coach, and all students must be currently enrolled in high school. To study, NOSB offers a comprehensive guide with additional tips. Confirm the current year’s regional and national schedule on the NOSB site.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
This annual prize celebrates the leadership and service of young people across North America. Named in honor of its founder, Gloria Barron, it honors those who excel in areas such as service work, environmental conservation, and advocacy.
Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 18, be permanent or current residents of the U.S. or Canada, and have a completed or ongoing project from within the past 12 months. Projects must be done individually. There’s an early call for applications in January, with a deadline around April 15 and winners announced in September.
President’s Environmental Youth Award
The President’s Environmental Youth Award is a U.S. and U.S.-territories program. The EPA’s ten regional offices each select a winner in each age group, with judging criteria adjusted by age group for fairness.
Each award-winning project receives a Presidential plaque. The sponsors of qualified, non-winning applicants receive EPA acknowledgement of their efforts to protect human health and the environment. Projects can be completed any time during the year, and the application window typically closes in mid-January of the following year.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition for students aged 15 to 20 to present innovative research projects addressing critical water issues. In the U.S., students begin at the regional and state levels before competing nationally. Teams of one to two are eligible.
Projects must use a research-oriented approach. Regional winners and self-nominated students typically enter the State Competition by mid-April, state winners are announced in early May (receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to nationals and a medal), and state winners then enter the National Competition in May. Confirm the current year’s deadlines on the SJWP site.
International Eco-Hero Awards for Young Environmentalists
The International Young Eco-Hero Awards recognize children and teens who have a completed or ongoing environmental project (ideally worked on for two years) that raises awareness of the environment. It honors individual environmental initiatives by young people ages 8 to 16, with winners chosen by a team of independent judges experienced in environmental issues.
Winners receive public recognition, media coverage, and a cash prize of up to $500, with two additional special awards. Applications typically close in late February.
Final Words
For more high school STEM competitions, check out Rishab’s video on STEM programs and competitions, which pairs advice with tips for succeeding.
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