The 2026 Slingshot Challenge: A global call to action for youth and the environment
Today, the National Geographic Society announced the fourth year of the Slingshot Challenge, which encourages youth ages 13-18 from around the world to submit innovative ideas to inspire a more sustainable future in their communities. Launched in 2022, this challenge is the result of a collaboration between the National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies, aiming to identify and support the next generation of problem-solvers and stewards of the planet. The 2026 Slingshot Challenge is now open for young people to develop solution ideas, with a submission deadline of February 6, 2026.
Since its launch, the initiative has expanded globally with nearly 6,700 solution ideas submitted by youth in 129 countries and more than 9.6 million engagements on social media. The challenge has engaged 40,000 youth and 9,000 educators over the past three years. Slingshot Challenge participants have reported significant gains in their knowledge and attitudes, such as a 15% gain in their experience level taking action to contribute to positive change, a 25% gain in their belief they can make a difference, and a 22% increase in their confidence in knowing how to protect nature.
“At the National Geographic Society, we believe that young people are the key to building a more sustainable future,” said Deborah Grayson, the Society’s chief education and community engagement officer. “The Slingshot Challenge provides a powerful platform for youth to not just make an impact locally, but globally. In a time where climate change is increasingly affecting communities worldwide, this challenge equips young people with the tools to become changemakers and take constructive action for a healthier planet.”
Participants, individually or in teams of up to six, are invited to create a one-minute video showcasing an innovative solution to one of five critical challenges: protecting nature, cleaning the air, restoring the ocean, reducing waste or addressing climate change. Collaboration with peers, interested groups and/or local communities is encouraged. Participants will also have the chance to connect with National Geographic Explorers from the Society’s global network, who will offer inspiration and mentorship.
“The past three years of the Slingshot Challenge validates the inspired enthusiasm our young people have for making this planet a better place,” said Lara Littlefield, Executive Director, Allen Family Philanthropies. “The foundation is proud to renew our support, underscoring our shared commitment to empowering young changemakers globally.”
Evelyn Pinot, a 2024 Slingshot Challenge award recipient who led the project “Urban Pollinators,” is establishing a two-mile urban biological corridor for pollinators in Tapachula, Mexico, a first for the region. Pinot’s efforts include leading an environmental council, advocating for the huacal as the emblematic tree for Tapachula, and cataloging native plant species in the pollinator garden, which has grown from 100 species to 203 species since Pinot’s video submission. Pinot also educates local schools on pollinators and helps them set up pollinator gardens of their own, and this work has garnered praise from the State Secretary of the Environment.
“Slingshot saved me years of work,” said Pinot. “It gained me the attention of local and state authorities and opened doors for me that I otherwise would not have been able to access. People take me and my work seriously because of it."
The Society will review all submissions, and a panel of experts will select a small number of projects to receive funding awards of up to $10,000 USD to further their journey. Once selected, award recipients will join a global community of alumni who are engaging with the Society to continue learning, build leadership skills and connect with other changemakers taking action on behalf of the planet. Young people eager to use their voices and creativity to build a more sustainable future through impactful, solution-oriented storytelling can find more information and sign up on the Slingshot Challenge website. The challenge closes on February 6, 2026.
The Slingshot Challenge is largely made possible through the generous support of Allen Family Philanthropies, which shares the Society’s vision for a world where youth are supported and recognized for their work as changemakers. Allen Family Philanthropies has renewed its support of the Slingshot Challenge into the $10M+ range of total giving, helping to ensure the challenge continues to grow over the next three years. The National Geographic Society is actively seeking more supporters to significantly expand the global reach and depth of offerings for the Slingshot Challenge. To learn more, contact pressroom@ngs.org.
About Allen Family Philanthropies
Founded in 1988, Allen Family Philanthropies, formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to strengthen arts and culture, empower the next generation of changemakers, and support a global network of partners working to advance biodiversity and human well-being. In addition to its core program areas of arts & culture, youth, and environment, the foundation funds bioscience via the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group and contributes to a wide range of community grants across Washington state. Learn more at www.allenphilanthropies.org.
About the National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.