Action For Nature (AFN), a U.S.-based non-profit, has sought to recognize and reward young people who are taking action to solve the world’s tough environmental problems every year since 2003. honor the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 all over the globe who have done creative environmental projects with a cash prize, certificate of achievement, and public recognition.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
AFN encourages young people around the world to carry out individual environmental action projects. They believe that young people can have a positive impact on the environment and are vital in changing the way we live on our planet.
Action For Nature, Inc. is an international non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California, that encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments and to foster love and respect for nature.
Founded by Shimon Schwarzschild, whose personal environmental initiative is an inspiring story, the AFN board believes that the long-term health of our planet and all who live on it depends upon reaching young people with this message:
Learn to love and respect the natural world in which you live. Do not be afraid to take action to stop or hinder the degradation of your personal environment and the annihilation of many of the creatures — including human beings — found in it.
They believe Personal action is a powerful weapon in the battle to keep our planet alive and well. When taken, it can slow down a river’s pollution; help preserve the ancient growth of trees threatened by cutters; and increase the survival of songbirds. Their mission is “Encouraging young people to take personal action to nurture and protect a healthy environment on which all life depends”.
International Young Eco-Hero Awards program recognizes and encourages children and teens who have completed a project to “foster respect and affection for nature through personal action.”
Winners are selected by a team of independent judges with experience in environmental issues.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
Winners receive
- A cash prize of up to $500,
- A special certificate of achievement,
- Public recognition on our website and in the media,
- Exclusive access to Eco-Hero Alumni Facebook Group.
Eligibilities
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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The project concerns environmental health, advocacy, research or protection of the natural world.
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The project is action-based and self-initiated, and not one assigned by a teacher or other adult.
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The project should be at least 6 months long and close to completion or completed within the last year.
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If the project is an invention, some trials should be completed before applying.
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Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 16 on February 28th in the year of application.
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Science Fair and Scouting Badge projects will only be considered if they include environmental action, educational outreach to others or extended studies beyond the Science Fair and Scouting Badges.
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We do not accept (a) projects related to domestic or confined animals, (b) compositions or reports.
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Previous winners, immediate relatives of AFN board members, active reading panel members, or judges, may not apply.
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Only applications in English are accepted.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Preference is given to projects of 2+ years and/or ongoing projects.
The applications will be judged according to several criteria, including but not limited to:
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originality
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difficulty
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organization
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length of time devoted to the project
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influencing/educating others
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use of outside resources (e.g. library, experts, media, community leaders)
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degree of success in reaching goals
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the impact on the environment
Application Process
To apply, applicants who have initiated an environmental project of their own will document it by completing the online application form.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
