The wait is over – the World of 8 Billion student video contest has officially opened for the 2025-2026 school year. Students in grades 6 through 12 (and international equivalents) are invited to take on the challenge of creating a short video that connects population growth with one of today’s most pressing global issues.
This year, participants will choose from three important topics: Energy, Wetlands, or Economics. The contest encourages students to not only research and understand these challenges, but to also think critically and creatively about how to address them. That’s why each video must propose a sustainable solution to the chosen topic.
Contest Details and Prizes for 2025-26
Entries can be no more than 60 seconds long, students may work individually or in small groups, and the contest is open worldwide to those in public schools, private schools, and homeschools alike.
The contest offers an impressive range of prizes. High school students can win up to $1,200, and middle school students up to $600, for first place. Additional awards will be given for second place, honorable mentions, and global finalists. Honors, and prize money, are also given at the state and international regional levels.
The contest officially opened on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and all entries must be submitted by March 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and we hope this will give students plenty of time to research, storyboard, film, and polish their work before submitting. Winners will be announced in May 2026.
Get Started on Your Video Submission Now!
Getting started on your video is simple. First, choose one of the three topics and dive into research. Then brainstorm solutions and think about how to communicate them in a compelling and concise way. The contest website offers free digital organizers, informational readings, and other tools to help students plan and collaborate. Once filming begins, creativity is encouraged!
If you’re a student, now is the time to start brainstorming. If you’re a teacher, consider introducing the contest in your classroom as a way to combine research, strategic communication, and digital literacy in one inspiring project.
Don’t miss this opportunity for young people’s voices to be heard on the world stage! Follow #Worldof8Billion on Facebook and Bluesky, and sign-up for Teacher Update emails on the contest website.
