Hey Teachers!
Welcome to your Shane McConkey EcoChallenge launchpad.
This is your one-stop resource zone to help your students take bold ideas, turn them into real-world environmental action, and have a blast doing it.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to project-based learning, we’ve got your back with everything you need to roll the EcoChallenge into your curriculum—no extra stress, just more stoke.
Climate Week 2026: Quick Ideas
Elementary (K-5)
Trash Trackers: For one day, kids keep a tally (tick marks) of every piece of trash they see on the playground or walk to class. End with a quick “what surprised you?” chat.
Recycle or Not?: Bring in 5-6 everyday items (a juice box, a chip bag, a banana peel, a plastic fork) and have kids sort them into bins — recycle, compost, trash — then discuss why some were tricky.
Draw Your Fix: Show a photo of a local problem (litter at a trailhead, low creek water) and have kids draw what they’d build or do to help.
Middle School (6-8)
Campus Audit Walk: 15-minute walk around school in small groups, each group assigned one thing to count (water bottles used, lights left on, recycling bin fill level). Report back and compare.
Two Truths and a Fix: Students research two real facts about a local environmental issue (wildfire smoke, drought, wildlife corridors) and propose one small fix — presented in pairs.
“Don’t Drop the Top” Remix: Read the case study, then in groups of 3, brainstorm one other everyday waste item that could be repurposed the same way. No follow-through required — just the pitch.
High School (9-12)
One Data Point Challenge: Each student finds a single local statistic (water usage, wildfire acres burned, snowpack levels) and writes 3 sentences on why it matters and one idea to address it. Debate Starter: Split the class on a real local tradeoff (development vs. open space, tourism vs. environmental impact) and run a 10-minute structured debate. Interview a Local: If there’s time before the deadline, students informally ask one adult (parent, neighbor, local business) what environmental issue matters most to them, then share findings.College
Rapid Problem-Solution Pitch: In pairs, students have 10 minutes to identify a campus or community sustainability gap and pitch a one-slide/one-paragraph solution — no research required, just brainstorm. Policy Skim: Assign a short (1-2 page) local or state environmental policy excerpt; students identify one strength and one gap. Compare & Contrast: Look at two past EcoChallenge projects and discuss what made one scale better than the other — good for a discussion-based class.Start Here: Your EcoChallenge Toolkit
EcoChallenge At a Glance
Need the who/what/why/when? This one-pager breaks it all down—perfect for pitching the idea to your admin, fellow teachers, or to send along to parents.
+ DOWNLOAD THE BILINGUAL FLYER
How to Run the Challenge
A step-by-step guide for kicking things off, rallying your students, helping them pick a project, and cruising through the submission process.
Timeline & Milestones
We’ve mapped out the 3 timelines for a full school year, one month, or 5-days with suggested checkpoints and reminders to help keep your class on track (and stoked).
Submission Checklist
No last-minute chaos—just a simple checklist to make sure everything’s good to go before students hit “submit.”
Make It Count: Classroom & Standards Alignment
Want to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders? These easy-to-use lesson plans align with core standards and are designed to work seamlessly in your classroom. Check them out:
benefits of entering the Ecochallenge
Join the Cycle of Awesomeness!
Each year, we’ve been inspired by the ingenuity and creativity of young people around the country and we are energized to continue our momentum as there’s still more work to do to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Watch the process In One Class:
Thank you, Encinitas Day School and Mr. decking Our 2019 Third Place Winners!
Win $27,250 in Prize Money
EcoChallenge projects will be judged based on the level of action taken. Whether you’re just getting started or going big with long-term impact, there’s a category for you. Projects can be submitted by individuals or teams (with a maximum of 30 students per group or classroom).
The more deeply you develop and carry out your action plan, the higher your project will be ranked—so dream big and take it as far as you can!
Extreme EcoChallengers
An Extreme EcoChallenge project addresses a large-scale environmental issue and provides a solution that disrupts the status quo. These projects will change our world for the better.
1st Place wins $5,000
2nd Place wins $4,000
3rd Place wins $3,000
Advanced EcoChallengers
These challengers are true battle-born eco-warriors with ninja-like skills at fighting climate change. They will stop at nothing to engage their community and community leaders get involved with their problem-solving initiative, taking action to make change a reality. Black Diamond Challengers are not afraid to call on local governmental agencies, the media, and influential voices to make their problem heard. These Challengers know their end game and fight to make positive change a reality.
1st Place wins $4,000
2nd Place wins $3,000
3rd Place wins $2,000
Intermediate EcoChallengers
These EcoChallengers are eager to make the world a better place and are serious about generating tangible results from their actions. They apply research and data to prove their problem exists and they weave their findings into their action plan. They are deeply involved in generating awareness and support from their school, community, and environmental influencers to see their plan through with measurable results.
1st Place wins $2,000
2nd Place wins $1,500
3rd Place wins $1,000
Beginner EcoChallengers
A Green Circle EcoChallenger can be an individual or team. These projects can be as simple as an art project created from upcycled materials, or a poem written to shed light on an environmental issue close to the Eco Challenger’s heart. This level offers kids a space to express their concern, love and commitment to the environment through whatever medium speaks to them.
1st Place wins $1,000
2nd Place wins $500
3rd Place wins $250
* Prize money will be delivered to the winner’s school or nonprofit organization of choice. Prize money cannot be delivered to individuals.
Shane McConkey Ecochallenge
Projects Due by Earth Day.
The Shane McConkey EcoChallenge empowers young people to learn about environmental issues in their community, engage in critical thinking to identify innovative solutions, and take action as EcoChallengers for the planet. Enter by April 22, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.
STEP 1: REGISTER YOUR TEAM
>We are so excited that you are joining our EcoChallenge! Register your team so we can send you updates, reminders, and encouragement.
STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
>Have you completed your EcoChallenge project? That is great news. Submit your project below. Be sure to include photos and videos of your team!
CLEAN UP YOUR SCHOOL
CLEAN UP A WATERWAY
Create Art
protect wildlife
Inspire others
Plant some trees
Entering is Easy!
We launched the EcoChallenge eight years ago to support up-and-coming environmental thinkers with the global understanding, geographic knowledge, and skills to solve our world’s most pressing problems.
- Choose an environmental issue
- Work as a team or on your own
- Enlist an advisor (teacher, parent, local leader)
- Create a plan to address your chosen issue
- Put your plan into action
- Report results via a super simple online form
- Winners announced in May!
BONUS: Students who submit great photos and video of their team and project will receive an additional prize!
Past Project VIDEOS
Extreme 1ST Place Winner
Extreme 2ND Place Winner
Extreme 3rd Place Winner (tie)
Blue Square 1st Place Winner
Who Was Shane McConkey—and Why This Challenge?
Shane McConkey was more than just a world-class skier and BASE jumper—he was a fearless innovator, a big thinker, and a passionate advocate for this planet. Known for pushing the limits of what’s possible (and having a blast doing it), Shane also cared deeply about protecting the natural world that made his adventures possible.
After his passing in 2009, the Shane McConkey Foundation was created to carry forward his adventurous spirit and commitment to environmental responsibility. The EcoChallenge is part of that legacy—a way to inspire young people to think creatively, take action, and leave the world better than they found it.
Through this challenge, we invite students to tap into Shane’s bold energy, think outside the box, and become stewards of the environment in their own communities. Because like Shane believed: if you’re going to do something, do it with purpose—and have fun along the way.