WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 12, 2026) — Today, the National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies announced the award recipients of the 2026 Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites youth ages 13–18 to submit one-minute videos outlining creative solutions to the ecological issues impacting their local communities. Now in its fourth year, the Slingshot Challenge received over 2,300 submissions from more than 5,900 youth across 104 different countries. This represents the largest number of participants to date. Ecoengineering in Action was selected as one of the top 10 winners and the 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award. In addition to this recognition, the organization will also receive:
- Funding: $5,000 to help further advance our mission.
- Networking: Invitation to the annual National Geographic Society Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C., in October to connect with world-renowned scientists and explorers.
- Global Recognition: Inclusion in the National Geographic Society’s global showcase.
- Global community: Membership in a global community of alumni who are engaging with the Society and each other to continue learning, leading and connecting on conservation issues.
