The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) 2025 is now accepting applications from 15 to 30-year-olds worldwide, offering a fully funded opportunity to propose innovative, research-based solutions addressing marine conservation. Jointly organized by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) and Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), this year’s focus is empowering youth to become environmental educators through projects in marine biodiversity, marine debris, or public‑private collaboration.
About the Program
Entering its fifth year, the Youth Innovation Challenge encourages participants to craft feasible, community-centred solutions that leverage environmental education (EE) as a core strategy. The goal is to drive long-term, behaviour-changing impact for marine health and community engagement
Benefits & Awards
- 15 finalists receive:
- Official YIC finalist certificate
- Recognition on GEEP, NAAEE, and partner platforms
- 3 winners receive:
- USD 1,000 prize each
- Fully funded, round-trip airfare to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for the winner’s event
- Winners will attend an award ceremony and collaborative workshop in October 2025
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 15–30 by 30 June 2025
- Work in marine biodiversity and conservation, marine debris, or public-private partnerships, incorporating environmental education as a fundamental component
- Provide a 3‑minute video pitch and written proposal in English; language proficiency will not be penalized
Related:
- Best Fellowship Programs 2026 in USA Fully Funded
- Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland Fully Funded
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship In 2025 – A Quick Guide
Required Application Materials
Applications submitted via Submittable must include:
- Title of the project (max 30 words)
- 3-minute video pitch, uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo
- Written responses addressing:
- What the solution is, its audience, and how it works
- Feasibility and supporting research
- Required resources or partnerships
Ensure proposals integrate environmental education to inspire long-term change
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2025, 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time
- Review Process: July–August 2025
- Finalists & Winners Notified: September 2025
- Award Ceremony in Taiwan: October 2025
A recorded applicant webinar is available for guidance on crafting strong submissions
How to Apply
- Watch the webinar, review the applicant handbook and FAQ on the official YIC page.
- Prepare your pitch and written proposal, emphasizing innovation, feasibility, and EE integration.
- Submit your application via Submittable before the deadline.
- Await selection updates: finalists and winners will be informed in September via email.
Official Application Portal:
Apply here → Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 Application (Submittable)
Why Apply?
- Global recognition through GEEP, NAAEE, and international partners.
- Monetary award and fully funded trip to Taiwan.
- Networking with marine conservation experts and peers at the award forum.
- Skill-building in environmental education design, pitching, and research.
- High-profile visibility—winners receive extensive outreach via partner platforms.
Program Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 |
| Organisers | GEEP & Taiwan OCA |
| Eligibility | Ages 15–30; global; English submissions |
| Themes | Marine biodiversity, marine debris, public-private collaboration (with EE) |
| Submission | Video pitch + written responses |
| Deadline | 30 June 2025, 11:59 PM ET |
| Finalists | 15 |
| Winners | 3 × USD 1,000 + Taiwan trip |
| Apply Via | Submittable (official portal) |
The Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 is an ideal opportunity for young changemakers seeking to make a lasting impact on ocean conservation through educational innovation. Gather your materials, craft your pitch, and apply before 30 June 2025!