Student Competition

Green Dream Challenge

Let's make our community more sustainable!

Students pitch sustainability ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for resources to turn advocacy and innovation projects into real community impact.

August 1st, 2026Benedictine University
EcoRise students collaborating at a table during a Green Dream Challenge workshop
Student presenting a sustainability project on paper during Green Dream Challenge
Students collaborating during a sustainability workshop

The Challenge

What is Green Dream Challenge?

Green Dream Challenge invites students to turn sustainability ideas into real projects.

Compete solo or with a team of up to 3 members and choose the path that fits your strengths.

Advocacy

Posters, art, photography, video, podcasts, poems, campaigns, and more.

Judged on:

  • Creativity
  • Educational value
  • Message clarity
  • Potential impact

Innovation

Apps, solar ideas, smart recycling bins, water-saving devices, waste-sorting tools, pond cleanup robots, and more.

Judged on:

  • Innovation
  • Technical design
  • Feasibility
  • Impact

How It Works

1

Sign Up Online

Register for Green Dream Challenge and let us know whether you're competing solo or with a team of up to 3.

2

Choose Your Project Path

Decide between Advocacy or Innovation and start shaping a project that makes your community more sustainable.

3

Join Office Hours

Meet with EcoRise mentors and sustainability professionals to brainstorm, refine your idea, and prepare your submission.

4

Compete for Cash Awards

Present your project and compete for a share of $750 in total cash awards.

Sign Up Green Dream Challenge

Sign Up →

Don't Miss Office Hours!

Need help getting started? Already signed up? Office Hours are the best way to strengthen your project.

  • Brainstorm with sustainability professionals and high school students
  • Get feedback on your idea
  • Bring your team of up to 3 members
  • You do NOT need a finished idea to attend

Join Office Hours

Sign Up →