Call for the AFN International Echo-Hero Awards 2024 is open now!!!
Every year since 2003, 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.
They are proud to 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.
Action For Nature (AFN), a non-profit organization, created the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize and reward the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 16. 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 people live on the planet.
Winners are selected by a team of independent judges with experience in environmental issues.
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 the planet and all who live on it depends upon reaching young people.
Personal action is a powerful weapon in the battle to keep the 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.
The 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.”
Action For Nature, Inc. grew out of the concern of an individual who took personal action to protect nature.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
Winners will receive:
- Public recognition and media press release
- Cash prizes up to $500
- Certificate of achievement for outstanding efforts to help protect and preserve the environment
- Exclusive access to the Eco-Hero Alumni Facebook Group
- Just as importantly, winners will serve as role models for other young people by demonstrating that each individual can make a difference.
Eligibilities
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
- The project concerns environmental health, advocacy, research, or protection of the natural world.
- The project is action-based and self-initiated, and not one assigned by a teacher or other adult.
- The project should be at least 6 months long and close to completion or completed within the last year.
- If the project is an invention, some trials should be completed before applying.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 16 on February 28th of the year of application.
- 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.
- AFN does not accept (a) projects related to domestic or confined animals, (b) compositions or reports.
- Previous winners, immediate relatives of AFN board members, active reading panel members, or judges, may not apply.
- Only applications in English are accepted.
Application Process
- To apply, applicants who have initiated an environmental project of their own will document it by completing AFN’s online application form.
- 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:
- originality
- difficulty
- organization
- length of time devoted to the project
- influencing/educating others
- use of outside resources (e.g. library, experts, media, community leaders)
- degree of success in reaching goals
- the impact on the environment
Application Deadline: February 28, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
