Frequently Asked Questions

Youth Innovation Challenge: Fresh ideas for tackling marine debris

Where can I view the recording of the YIC Applicant Webinar that took place on July 21, 2022?

Do you accept applicants from any country?

  • Yes! The Youth Innovation Challenge is a global competition, so anyone aged 15 to 30 from anywhere in the world can apply!

Can teams apply for the challenge?

  • We highly encourage collaboration! We ask that one person fills out the application (perhaps the team leader/coordinator), but please note the other group members in your written responses and include them in your video pitch, if possible. And make sure that the submitter is 15 to 30 years old!

Is there a limit to the number of people that can apply as a team? 

  • We don't limit the number of collaborators you work with! 

Does the application require both written and video responses? 

  • Yes, the application requires written responses to four questions as well as a short (less than 3 minutes) video. Full details about the application can be found in the YIC Applicant Handbook.

Is there a word limit for the written responses? 

  • Yes, there is a word limit (maximum word count) for each written response question. Please see page 7 of the YIC Applicant Handbook for more details. 

Do we have to cite our sources? 

  • We don't require you to formally cite your sources (though you're more than welcome to!). We do ask that your sources are credible and that you mention them somewhere within your answer to the question "What is the relevant research or evidence that informs your solution?" within the application.  You can also use a service like bit.ly if you want to include short links instead of a lengthy reference. See page 5 under the "Informed" criteria in the YIC Applicant Handbook for more info. 

Can we use background music in our video? 

  • Yes! You can use background music or audio in your video submission. Just make sure that the background music doesn't cover up anyone who is speaking. We recommend sending the video to a family member or friend who can test it out and make sure everything looks and sounds okay before you submit it!

Can we record the video pitch with a phone or laptop? 

  • Yes! The priority of the video pitch is to share your idea and vision for your solution. Reviewers will not judge the quality of your video or your English language ability. View the recording of our 2021 YIC Webinar to see examples of creative video pitches, including ones that use animation, song, and storytelling. Be sure to also check out our tips for creating a compelling video pitch.  

Will different aged applicants be judged the same? (For example, will a 16-year-old and a 26-year old be judged the same?)

  • Each applicant will be judged using the same review criteria. Our selection panel will use the Selection Criteria (see page 5 of the YIC Applicant Handbook) to score your solutions and select the 15 YIC finalists and 3 YIC winners. That being said, judges will consider that applicants closer to the age minimum might have less experience than applicants closer to the age maximum. 

Do you have any social media networks? 

  • You can find more info about GEEP on our website. We are also featured on social media platforms through our secretariat, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). You can find NAAEE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the handle @theNAAEE. You can also subscribe to GEEP's newsletter. 

I still have questions! Who can I contact? 

 

← Return to the Youth Innovation Challenge landing page.