Deadline: January 16, 2025
The Climate Cardinals × ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition – Winter 2025 invites young changemakers from around the world to share their unique perspectives on climate action. This global initiative seeks to amplify youth voices, encourage creative and analytical expression, and recognise innovative ideas that contribute to a more sustainable future.
About the Opportunity
The Climate Cardinals × ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition – Winter 2025 is a global platform designed to empower students to reflect on how they approach climate challenges and contribute to environmental solutions. The competition provides a space for creative, analytical, and artistic expression centred on climate change and sustainability.
Organised by Climate Cardinals in collaboration with ChallengeUS, the programme aims to highlight the next generation of leaders shaping the future of climate action. Participants can submit entries in various categories—creative writing, analytical writing, speech, or art—allowing them to showcase their talents and insights in the format that best expresses their ideas.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to:
- High school students and undergraduate university or college students worldwide.
- Students taking a gap year or semester are eligible to apply.
- Homeschooled students are also welcome to participate.
All submissions must be original and in English. The use of artificial intelligence or plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.
Submission Categories and Format
Participants may submit entries in one of the following four categories:
1. Creative Writing
- Format: PDF document
- Word limit: Up to 1,250 words
- Content type: Personal essays, reflections, poems, or stories
2. Analytical Writing
- Format: PDF document
- Word limit: Up to 1,250 words (citations not included in the word count)
- Content type: Evidence-based analysis with supporting references
3. Speech
- Format: MP4 video file
- Duration: Up to 10 minutes
- Requirement: Clear audio and video quality
4. Art
- Format: PDF, JPEG, or PNG file
- Type: Original artwork (digital or traditional) illustrating themes of climate action
Prizes and Recognition
Winners of the Climate Cardinals × ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition – Winter 2025 will receive recognition for their outstanding contributions to climate advocacy:
- Grand Prize Winner: USD 500 cash award
- Category Winners: One winner per category will receive certificates, publication opportunities, and public recognition
- All Participants: Gain access to the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Network, connecting them with a global community of young changemakers
Application Prompt
Participants are required to respond to the following prompt:
“Share a key moment, lesson, observation, or analysis that has shaped how you approach climate action. How will you use these insights to pursue the climate goals you care about most?”
Timeline and Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries early to ensure timely consideration and avoid last-minute technical issues.
How to Apply
Interested participants should prepare their submissions according to the chosen category guidelines and upload their entries through the official competition portal.
Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing Climate Cardinals and ChallengeUS. The judging process will evaluate originality, clarity, impact, creativity, and adherence to the theme of climate action. Only high-quality, authentic, and compelling entries will be considered for recognition.
Additional Information
The Climate Cardinals × ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition – Winter 2025 offers a unique opportunity for youth to showcase their ideas, develop leadership skills, and join a supportive community of peers passionate about climate solutions. By participating, students contribute to a global movement advancing climate literacy, advocacy, and innovation.
Host Organisations
Climate Cardinals is a youth-led international non-profit dedicated to making climate information more accessible through translation and outreach.
ChallengeUS is a leadership and innovation network that empowers young people to engage with global issues through research, writing, and public speaking competitions.
Click here to read more about the programme
(Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.)
