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Young Conservationists Creating Positive Change: Announcing the 2024 Global Slingshot Challenge Award RecipientsThousands of young innovators from 87 countries submitted to the second annual environmental youth challenge, presented by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Learn more about each award recipient by downloading their submission videos, photos and bios here. WASHINGTON, May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An app to minimize household food waste, a tree-planting robot, and programs to save a rare bird and the bees — these are just some of the solutions from the second year of the Slingshot Challenge, a global call for youth ages 13-18 to propose solutions to the planet's environmental problems. Announced today by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, five Top Honors submissions will receive $10,000 each and ten Significant Achievement submissions will receive $1,000 each to advance their projects and continue to explore big ideas. "We're thrilled to support these bold, young leaders as they aim to have a positive impact on the environment," said Dr. Deborah Grayson, chief education officer at the National Geographic Society. "As environmental champions, they teach us how to be positive changemakers by bringing fresh perspectives to our communities and creating lasting change for our planet." The 2024 Slingshot Challenge received 2,134 one-minute video submissions from 87 countries. Between innovative uses of AI (artificial intelligence) and technology to detect and solve environmental problems to pitching community-driven awareness campaigns, the submissions proved that the explorer mindset is alive and well in this next generation of changemakers. Five Top Honors Award Recipients, noted below, stood out for their notably inquisitive drive to seek knowledge and think critically. These submissions join Slingshot Challenge award recipient alumni in receiving support and funding.
"A better future starts with empowering the next generation," said Lara Littlefield, executive director of partnerships and programs at the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. "The Slingshot Challenge represents our belief that youth are the key to unlocking new opportunities in conservation. We are confident that a global community of changemakers can stare down and conquer the environmental challenges that define our times." Spanning nine countries and four continents, the Significant Achievement Award Recipients demonstrated a desire to make a positive impact — evidenced by their proposals to educate community members through virtual reality experiences, share soundscapes of wetland areas, monitor ocean health, restore vulnerable ecosystems, uplift young researchers and develop eco-friendly products. The awardees took a close look at their communities, identified problems and designed innovative solutions — showing how to implement what they learned along the way into tangible actions for protecting our planet and its people. Around the world, Slingshot Challenge alumni and community members are inspiring people to learn about, care for and act on behalf of the planet. Since its inauguration in 2023, funding has helped recipients develop prototypes, raise awareness for environmental issues, launch initiatives and connect others globally with a common goal: to make the world a better place. Additionally, and in the spirit of supporting as many outstanding ideas as possible, the National Geographic Society and Paul G. Allen Family Foundation are teaming up for a third year of the challenge — kicking off in the fall of 2024. Interested teens and educators can sign up now to receive updates here. About the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation About National Geographic Society View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/young-conservationists-creating-positive-change-announcing-the-2024-global-slingshot-challenge-award-recipients-302140325.html SOURCE National Geographic Society |