Building
Leadership
Around
Sustainable
Transformation
BLAST Competition
for high school students
The BLAST Competition is a challenge for high school students to develop projects that reduce waste, promote sustainable living, enhance biodiversity, and more, utilizing a variety of disciplines, from coding to gardening to art. Students, working on their own or as part of a team, are paired with mentors, to develop and implement their projects.
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Your project could win up to $1000!
Steps to Participate
Get inspired! Watch the video above and review the BLAST 2024 page to find out the types of projects that qualify for the BLAST Competition.
Complete the interest form (you don't have to have figured out your project details)​
Gather your team (if you want to do a group project)
Someone will contact you to set up a 15 minute call to assist with your application
Complete the BLAST application - due January 19, 2025
Review the timeline
Set up at least 2 meetings with your mentor on zoom
Write and submit your proposal - due March 21, 2025
Pitch your project in the BLAST Competition - April 10, 2025, DuPage Children's Museum
BLAST Competition
Quick Facts
1. Open to high school students in the Chicagoland area.
2. You may participate by yourself or as part of a team.
​3. Your project can involve any discipline: science, technology, art, business, government, communication, education, etc. It can even be an extension of a class assignment.
4. Prize money can be used to fund your project or to further your education. This means your project does not need to require funding to qualify for BLAST.
5. After you apply for BLAST, you will be given clear instructions for how to meet with your mentor, what is required for your written proposal, and how to participate in the BLAST pitch night on April 10.
6. At the BLAST pitch night ceremony, you will pitch your idea in front of a panel of judges. Plan for about 4 minutes to present and 4 minutes of questions.
7. Not quite sure where to start? Complete the interest form and someone will be in touch to get you started.
New This Year!
BLAST competitors can apply to the BLAST Summer 2025 internship program and get paid to implement their project or assist with Accelerate Climate Solutions' mission.
Learn More
Thank You BLAST Partners
BLAST would not be possible without the cooperation, hard work, and support of our partner organizations, DuPage Children's Museum and the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force (NEST)
