The Challenge: Save the World on Your Way to College!
The Global Challenge is an online international competition that encourages learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. If you are in high school, then we invite you to register, study, produce work and reap the rewards, including merit scholarships! 60% of our students are girls and young women, and 75% of all students are minorities, who are interested in making international friends and solving global problems.
Who Can Join the Global Challenge?
All students who are in high school (or the equivalent age which is usually 14-17 years old) are invited to participate. The official language of the program is English and you must be able to write and converse in English. The work for the different projects is performed in teams of four students. Global teams are comprised of two students from one country and two from another country. Our website facilitates the matching of students into teams so students can join individually or with a friend they want to work with.
Registration is open year around.The program's main activities run from September to April and from June to September each year. Solutions are judged each May and October and awards are made in June and November.
What Competitions make up the Global Challenge?
There are several team competitions that are part of the Global Challenge Award Program. Each competition has its own set of rules and a score card that helps guide your team to a winning solution. Our offerings reflect the diverse interests and time availability of our students and we know you'll be able to find just the right fit for you. All competitions are team-based so no matter which one you choose, you'll get to make friends with students from around the world! Take a look...
Explorations
Level of Effort: Low - Medium. Your level of effort depends on how many you choose to complete!
Play with ideas. Learn about new tools and methods of science and increase your scientific knowledge while having fun! Explorations are one of the easiest ways to join Global Challenge Award students from around the world who share your enthusiasm for making friends, learning about climate change, and competing for prizes! In this project path, your team works together on as many Explorations as you have time and interest to do. Your rewards are matched with your level of effort. Register Now
More information on Explorations Competition
GCA-350
Level of Effort: Medium
350 "parts per million" of CO2 is more than a number, it's a target for transforming the world we have into the world we want. Student teams create awareness in their school and community through designing and holding an event that educates others on environmental issues. You can leverage technology and the latest trends to create high impact awareness, reach large number of people, and get your message to some of the most influential people locally. Register Now
More information on GCA-350 Competition
Technical Innovation Plan
Level of Effort: Medium
Envision any kind of technical solution and explain it. Take your team into new territories of thought, design, creativity and imagination when you enter the TIP competition. On this project you will come up with an innovative idea, research the underlying science, technology, engineering and mathematical challenges involved with the idea, and document your journey so that others can understand your concept. Your idea can synthesize great ideas from other people and add new value these existing ideas or you can envision a completely new idea where the science is still too young to have fully developed into an innovation. Your imagination and engineering insight is the only limit. Register Now
More information on TIP Competition
Level of Effort: High
Envision a global solution and create a detailed business plan on bringing your idea to market. To complete your plan, you will thoroughly research your idea using a variety of resources from sources such as experts in the field, books, and the internet. Your plan will detail the full life cycle development of an idea from market analysis to manufacturing all the way to marketing your idea to your customers. The GBP competition is the most demanding project we offer, but also one of the most rewarding. Your business idea has both a technical and ethical heart, with a scientifically innovative idea to address climate change or the future of energy. The GBP is an expanded version of a TIP that includes feasibility arguments (consumer, technical, financial, and political analyses) that would be needed to attract venture capitalists or government agencies to consider funding your proposal for a global business. Register Now
More information on GBP Competition
What are the Rewards?
All participating students earn certificates, letters of recommendation for college or jobs, and the satisfaction of knowing that YOU created your own goals around your own ideas, set your own pace, and made a contribution to Saving the World on Your Way to College!
Awards
We award all students who make a good effort! Awards given to all students upon request include letters of recommendation, certificates of participation and certificates of accomplishment. Other awards vary, and typically include sponsorship to courses, organizational membership, opportunities for study or engagement in science, technology engineering and mathematics, prizes, discounts on "green goods", cash, and travel support (or some combination) to all members of selected winning teams.
1. Awards are given to individual team members on winning teams in each competition.
2. Each competition will be judged using its own specific rubric.
3. Judging and the announcement of winners will take place twice each year. For April 30 submissions, judging in May and winners announced in early June. For October 30 submissions, judging in November and winners announced in early December.
4. An outside panel of experts and business professionals will assist in the judging process.
