QUICK LINKS: TEACHER RESOURCESÂ |Â STUDENT TOOLKITÂ |Â PAST WINNERSÂ Â |Â SPONSOR THE ECOCHALLENGE
Shane McConkey Ecochallenge
Projects Due by Earth Day.
The Shane McConkey EcoChallenge helps turn environmental learning into student action. Students nationwide, from transitional kindergarten through university, can identify an environmental issue in their school or community, develop a project to address it, and share their results for a chance to win a share of $27,250 in cash prizes.
With four categories ranging from Beginner to Expert, students of all ages and experience levels can participate. Three winning teams in each category receive cash awards to benefit their school or a nonprofit of their choice.
Our goal is simple: to show young people that no idea is too small, no challenge is too big, and they have the power to make a real difference in the world.
Enter by April 22, 2027 at 11:59pm PST.
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!
Calling All Educators!
Want to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders? We have easy-to-use lesson plans align, recommended timelines, submission checklists, and a step-by-step tool kit all designed to work seamlessly in your classroom. Check them out:
Win $27,250 in Prize Money
Awards for the Shane McConkey EcoChallenge will be judged in following categories. The extent to which you take your action plan will determine how your project is judged and rewarded. Individuals may enter and teams will be limited to groups/classrooms of no more than 30 students.
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.
Every entry makes a world of difference
Every student who enters the Shane McConkey EcoChallenge is a winner because they have thought critically and creatively about their environment and taken an action to make a difference. From upcycled art projects to beach cleanups; composting initiatives to banning styrofoam in their cafetierias; our EcoChallengers have done some wonderful things. What will you do?
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!
Thank you to our EPIC sponsors. We couldn't do this without you.
