In recent years, the environment is a growing concern, and so is the demand for students coming into environmental science.

In these programs, you’ll get to work on projects and competitions that revolve around a subject you're passionate in, opening the gates to a like minded community.

Explore top environmental science competitions with helpful tips in this blog!

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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 promoting environmental awareness among high school students worldwide.

It typically covers various categories such as environmental science, robotics, engineering, visual and performing arts, creative writing, and business.

Additionally, participants often present their projects and ideas to a panel of judges, and winners may receive recognition, awards, and sometimes scholarships or other opportunities to further their education or projects.

The application begins in early March and closes on April 17th, with an application fee of $50 per project.

International BioGENEius Olympiad The International BioGENEius Challenge is a prestigious competition that allows high schoolers to showcase their research in the field of biotechnology.

It provides a platform for young scientists to present their original research projects in different Challenge Tracks.

The competition includes and encourages environmental science among the range of topics.

Organizers typically invite winners of national competitions in participating countries or regions to compete in the International BioGENEius Challenge.

The application pool is open until May 17th, and your research project must be presentable.

Want to succeed in these competitions?

Check out Rishab's A-Z Science Fair Masterclass course, designed to help you improve and win your way to the international stage!

Envirothon Envirothon is an international competition that tests high school students on their ability to recognize and resolve natural resources conservation.

The program fosters students learning in the area of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues.

The annual theme provided by Envirothon aligns uniquely with current environmental issues.

Teams consist of up to five students, with each student preferably specializing in one or two areas.

All competitions except regional level require that you answer a multiple choice portion and present an oral presentation for a prompt given a week or two prior.

Lastly, when creating the oral presentations, ensure that all information and advice adheres and is relevant to the prompt provided.

Earth Prize The Earth Prize is an annual, global $100,000 environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19, which rewards the team whose projects have the most potential to address environmental issues.

The general timeline is as followed: September and November: students and supervisors have until Nov. 30th to register individually online, create teams, and fill out necessary information.

December and January: participants work on their ideas and send submissions by Jan. 31st February: submissions meeting the requirements are recognized with The Earth Foundation Scholar Distinction.

February to April: Top 10 teams are selected by the Adjudicating Panels to be finalists, to which winners and runner-ups are selected on April 22nd Although the competition is currently closed for the 2024 year, be sure to pre-register if interested!

Interested in winning some of these competitions?

Here is a blueprint on how to create a research topic for your project!

National Ocean Sciences Bowl The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a prestigious high school science competition managed by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.

It holds a quiz-bowl format testing individuals on their knowledge of oceanography.

There are four main discipline areas (biology, chemistry, geology, and the physical properties associated with the marine/coastal environment) with some knowledge in the remaining four areas (social sciences, marine policy, geography, and technology).

Similar to the other competitions mentioned, it starts at a regional level before moving up to state and eventually national.

Each team must consist of four to five students and a coach.

All students must be currently enrolled in high school.

To study, the NOSB holds a comprehensive guide with additional tips.

Many of the NOSB regional competitions will take place in 2024, either virtually or in-person.

However, there will be no Nationals Finals Competition in 202

4. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes This annual prize celebrates the leadership and service of young individuals across North America.

Named in honor of its founder, Gloria Barron, the Barron Prize uniquely honors those who excelled in various areas, such as service work, environmental conservation, and advocacy.

Such applications must be from individuals between the ages of 8 and 18, permanent residents and current residents in the US or Canada, and have a completed/ongoing project within the past 12 months.

An applicants must do these projects individually.

There is an early call for applications in January but closes on April 15, with announcements for winners in September.

President's Environmental Youth Award The President's Environmental Youth Award is a program exclusive to the United States and US territories.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ten regional offices across the country that will select a winner in each age group.

In addition, these age groups will have relatively different judging criteria to ensure fairness.

Each award-winning project will receive a Presidential plaque.

The sponsors of all qualified, non-winning applicants will receive EPA acknowledgement of the applicant's efforts to protect human health and the environment.

These projects can be created anytime throughout the year, but the application pool closes the next year in mid-January.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition that allows students aged 15 to 20 to showcase their innovative research projects addressing critical water issues.

Students in the United States begin at a regional level and state level before competing at a national level.

Teams of one to two are eligible to enter the competition.

To submit a proper project, they must use a research-oriented approach.

Regional winners and self-nominated students must enter the State Competition by April 15, 202

4. State winners are announced annually on May 5, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to the national competition and a medal.

State winners must enter the National Competition sometime in May; the deadline will be announced in April 202

4. International Eco-Hero Awards for Young Environmentalists The International Young Eco-Hero Awards program recognizes and encourages children and teens who have a completed/ongoing project (preferably worked on for two years) to raise awareness to the environment.

This award recognizes successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 1

6. A team of independent judges with experience in environmental issues selects the winners.

Winners will receive public recognition and media coverage, with a cash prize up to $50

0. Additionally, there are two additional special awards that provide additional recognition.

Applications close sometime late-February.

Final Words If you want to find more high school STEM competitions, check out Rishab's video of STEM programs and competitions that covers advice coupled with tips and tricks to succeed! https://youtu. be/h7OlgFLByK8?si=1zUxkIvSzLK4PqyT.