Starting on February 24, 2025, the OurEcho Challenge will open to young leaders in the USA, ages 13-16.

OurEcho Challenge Entry Period: February 24, 2025 - April 22, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern.

The top three (3) winning teams will be awarded grants to make their projects a reality.

What is the OurEcho Challenge?

The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers young changemakers in the USA, ages 13-16, to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Young leaders will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources.

Does this cost anything?

There is no cost to submit an entry into the OurEcho Challenge.

Am I required to use the resources in order to enter the OurEcho Challenge?

While we believe the supplemental resources to be helpful, they are not required to submit an entry to the OurEcho Challenge. The supplemental resources are free for anyone to use. Using these resources does not in any way bind you to submitting an entry into the OurEcho Challenge.

Who can enter the OurEcho Challenge?

Young leaders in the USA, ages 13-16, are welcome to enter the OurEcho Challenge. Young leaders may enter individually or in teams of up to five (5) peers and can submit the team entry online.

Any former member of an OurEcho Challenge Winning Team must not re-use their prior OurEcho Challenge winning entry materials to enter the OurEcho Challenge.

Can I enter the OurEcho Challenge if I live outside the United States?

At this time, the Contest is offered within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

If a team entered the OurEcho Challenge in previous years, can they enter again?

Yes, but any former member of an OurEcho Challenge Winning Team must not re-use their prior OurEcho Challenge winning entry materials to enter the current OurEcho Challenge.

How many entries can I submit?

Limit three (3) entries for which a particular young leader is one of the team members. Each such entry must be different and meet all requirements. Entries received in excess of this limit will be void. Entrants must be between the ages 13-16, a legal resident of the eligibility area, and attend school in USA during the respective entry period.

Any former member of an OurEcho Challenge Winning Team must not re-use their prior OurEcho Challenge winning entry materials to enter the OurEcho Challenge.

How many young leaders can be on a team?

Young leaders can enter the OurEcho Challenge individually or as a team of up to five (5) peers. The official entry submission will ask how many Team Leaders and how many Team Associates are involved.

TEAM LEADERS - a student with a primary and/or leadership role within the Team and who will be provide their full name and email address on the official OurEcho Challenge entry. These members are permitted to appear in any visuals (i.e. photos or videos) submitted with their Team’s entry.

TEAM ASSOCIATES - a student having a secondary role, working within the Team under the leadership of the Team’s Student Team Leader(s). Team Associates do not provide their name or any contact information at the time of entry. Associates should not appear in any visuals (i.e. photos or videos) submitted by the Student Team Leaders.

When will the OurEcho Challenge take place?

The OurEcho Challenge will be open for submissions February 24, 2025 - April 22, 2025, 11:59 PM ET. Up to three (3) winning teams will be selected and notified in mid May 2025.

Our team submitted an OurEcho Challenge entry – what happens next?

The OurEcho Challenge will be open for submissions February 24, 2025 - April 22, 2025, 11:59 PM ET. Up to three (3) winning teams will be selected and notified in mid May 2025. The winning teams will be announced on May 22, 2025 by EarthEcho founder, Philippe Cousteau. Over the course of the year, the winning teams will continue to work with EarthEcho International to develop and implement their community projects as well as produce a short video about their team work.

When do I find out if my team is a winner?

The OurEcho Challenge will be open for submissions February 24, 2025 - April 22, 2025. Up to three (3) winning teams will be selected and notified by mid May 2024, with a public announcement on May 22, 2025.

Who are the OurEcho Challenge judges?

The panel of judges may be comprised of EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council members, Aramco Services Company scientists, science educators, researchers, and EarthEcho International employees, Board members, or partners. The panel of judges will carefully review all entries using the OurEcho Challenge scoring rubric.

What are the top prizes?

The top teams will receive:

First Prize: $3,000.00
Second Prize: $2,000.00
Third Prize: $1,000.00

Each grant check will be made payable to the school/organization associated with the winning entries, which the school/organization must make available for the team to use to support the biodiversity initiative described in their winning entry.

The top three (3) winning teams in the USA will work with EarthEcho staff and youth leaders to develop a budget, plan, and timeline for their use of the project grant funds, which will be subject to review and approval. Each winning team will also have to submit status updates to EarthEcho on their progress, as well as a final report on the progress and learnings achieved through use of the project grant funds.

Can I use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for my entry? 

EarthEcho recognizes the power of AI tools as beneficial for participants to organize their thoughts or refine their entries. The usage of these tools in such a manner will not negatively impact an entry’s chances of acceptance. However, if a participant chooses to utilize an AI tool, it is crucial that the participant thoroughly review and revise all AI content, both for accuracy and for authenticity. Across all of EarthEcho’s programming, EarthEcho seeks individuals who feel genuine passion and who strive to articulate their thoughts and ideas authentically. Evaluators for EarthEcho's program applications are seeking innovators, problem solvers, and individuals or teams who see our global challenges differently. AI tools provide a poor substitute for human creativity and ingenuity. AI tools must not be used to engage in any form of fraud, cheating, plagiarism, or dishonesty.

What are other ways I can connect with EarthEcho International?

Be sure to connect with us via social media on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Instagram to learn the latest about our work and opportunities for young conservation leaders. You may also sign up for EarthEcho's newsletter to stay up to date on our latest programming.  

Still have questions? Please direct additional questions to ourechochallenge@earthecho.org or 202-350-3190.

Please note that EarthEcho International reserves the right in its sole discretion to further modify the timing of the OurEcho Challenge and/or the format/timing of the Finalist Event. If such changes are deemed prudent, the new timing and/or format will be noted in the Official Rules and on this website.