Welcome to the
Climate Innovation Challenge!

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CIC for EducatorsCIC for StudentsAlready Registered? View the Curriculum

Hey, Changemaker!

Climate change—yeah, we know. It’s everywhere. Overwhelming, exhausting… and sometimes just too big to tackle. But what if it didn’t have to feel that way?

Welcome to the Climate Innovation Challenge where we flip the script.

Here, students don’t just learn about climate change. They gain real skills, discover real opportunities, and leave knowing they can make a real impact in their community.

Because with CIC, we’re not just teaching facts. We’re growing hope.

And hope? That’s where real change begins.

Two girls holding their CAVU climate innovation challenge certificates.

What is the Climate Innovation Challenge?

How It Works

CIC is a free international STEAM program for grades 3–12 where students design climate solutions and turn them into short, powerful videos.

Along the way, they build skills in storytelling, science, and creativity, all culminating in an international showcase with cash prizes for top entries.

Learn more about the two primary aspects of CIC:

Challenge students to explore climate change through a lens that feels relevant and inspiring. Our free, six-lesson Climate Innovation Challenge curriculum helps educators and club facilitators teach climate science in a way that connects directly to students’ lives and communities while guiding them to discover meaningful ways to take action.

Curriculum Features:

  • Aligned with ELA and NGSS standards
  • Fits effortlessly into science, ELA, film, or project-based learning environments – Serves as a powerful launchpad for the CIC Video Competition
  • Can be used independently without competition participation

Inspire the next generation of changemakers through storytelling. The CIC Video Competition is an international film contest open to students in grades 3–12, offering cash prizes and global recognition in our international showcase.

Competition Details:

  • Students submit original videos (4 minutes or less)
  • Videos creatively highlight climate change solutions through unique perspectives – CIC curriculum preparation recommended but not required
  • Video submissions for each school year are due in March

CAVU Is Hope in Action. See for Yourself!

Watch More Student Showcase Videos

Ready to Join? Register Now!

Register now for access to our curriculum and video competition! It only takes two minutes. Follow the path that fits you.

For Students

Register here to access our judging rubric and video submission  process if you are entering the competition without the support of an educator.
CIC for Students

For Educators

Register here to access our full curriculum and video submission  resources for your classroom, club, or student group.
CIC for Educators

What People Are Saying About CAVU’s Climate Innovation Program

"Above all, CIC encourages the development of critical thinking in my students by challenging them to create impactful storytelling around solutions to the realities of climate change."

– Yadira Vasquez, Teacher, San Juan, Puerto Rico

"My students now have a much better understanding of the world they're growing up in. CIC is an opportunity for their first exposure to climate change to be an empowering one rather than hopeless."

– Anyel Groher, Teacher, Santa Fe, NM

"CIC gives my students and I greater insights into what we can do as a school community to create positive local change with regards to our global climate."

– Hanneke Hollak, Teacher, Nairobi, Kenya

Ready to Transform Climate Anxiety into Climate Action?

Make an Impact with Us

Join thousands of educators and students worldwide who are discovering that hope is  the most powerful tool for addressing climate change.

The Climate Innovation Challenge isn’t just about learning — it’s about inspiring and challenging young people to become the changemakers our world needs.

Take the ChallengeSupport CIC

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