Nominations open for Brower Youth Awards

The Brower Youth Awards 2026 recognize outstanding environmental leadership among young people aged 13–22 in North America. Winners receive a $3,000 cash prize, a co-produced short film, and a fully covered leadership development trip. The awards highlight sustained, impactful leadership in environmental projects with potential for scalability and global influence.

The Brower Youth Awards celebrate youth making a meaningful impact in environmental leadership. The awards focus on leaders of groups or initiatives, emphasizing sustained involvement and measurable impact over one-off projects.

Program Goals

• Recognize young leaders driving environmental change
• Promote sustained impact and replicable solutions
• Connect awardees with a global network of youth environmental leaders
• Support the development of future environmental innovators

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be 13–22 years old as of the application deadline
• Reside in North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, or U.S. territories)
• Lead or play a significant role in ongoing environmental initiatives
• Not rely solely on one-time events unless they resulted in measurable long-term impact

Ineligible Projects

• Individual science fair or research projects not part of a broader ongoing initiative
• One-time gatherings, Earth Day events, or conferences without sustained outcomes

Award Benefits

Recipients of the Brower Youth Awards receive:

• $3,000 cash prize
• Short film co-produced documenting their work
• Leadership development trip with flight, meals, and lodging covered
• Access to a global network of over 100 youth leaders

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Complete their own online application

2. Submit a photograph of themselves

3. Provide a letter of support if selected as a semifinalist (cannot be from a parent/guardian)

4. Respond to requests for video interviews if chosen as a semifinalist

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Outstanding youth leadership
• Innovative approaches to environmental challenges
• Project impact, scalability, and replicability
• Applicant charisma, commitment, and future potential

How to Apply

1. Visit the Brower Youth Awards online portal

2. Complete all application fields yourself

3. Attach a photograph of the applicant

4. Submit by the deadline: March 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT

Key Tips for Applicants

• Demonstrate sustained involvement rather than short-term participation
• Emphasize measurable outcomes of your environmental efforts
• Highlight your leadership role and influence on your group or initiative
• Ensure timely submission and contact the organization for support before the deadline if needed

Important Notes

• Applications cannot be submitted by parents, mentors, or teachers
• Late applications or submissions due to technical issues will not be accepted
• Semifinalists must provide a letter of support and participate in a video call

Conclusion

The Brower Youth Awards provide an unparalleled opportunity for young environmental leaders in North America to gain recognition, financial support, and professional development. By highlighting sustained leadership and measurable impact, the awards aim to nurture the next generation of global environmental innovators.