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Your students can protect local biodiversity 
(and win $5,000 for their school!)


With half of the world's biodiversity destroyed since 1970, the complex web of living things that makes life on Earth possible is unraveling. Key to restoring this delicate balance is a growing movement of young leaders ready to apply their own innovative solutions. EarthEcho International’s OurEcho Challenge STEM competition empowers young people to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities and propose solutions to address ecological threats in their own backyard. 
Student teams can win top prizes of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 for their bright ideas to prevent or reduce biodiversity loss! 

The OurEcho Challenge opens in December for entries but students can start their investigations any time! They can work individually or in teams of up to three (3) peers to enter their proposal into the STEM competition. New for the OurEcho Challenge this year: youth submit entries directly rather than relying on an adult teacher or mentor for submission.

Teachers, parents, and other adult mentors are encouraged to provide support by utilizing the OurEcho Challenge resources in the classroom and at home. Below are some quick links to use when guiding your students to their entries: 

  1. Teachers can utilize this Biodiversity Basics lesson. 
    • Tip: if you already integrate biodiversity lessons in your classroom, go straight to the next step: the Action Plan!
  2. Students can complete the Action Plan independently or in small groups, with little guidance, in preparation for entering the OurEcho Challenge. 
  3. The Project Planning Worksheet will help to solidify their OurEcho Challenge proposal. 
  4. Students can use the information gathered from the Project Planning Worksheet to submit their team’s entry.

We can't wait to see your students' submissions to change the world.

Submission entries close on March 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM (ET). 
LEARN MORE & ENTER THE CHALLENGE

If you have any questions, please contact Associate Director of Programs, Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski, at kasey@earthecho.org.