An initiative by Urban Climate Leadership, 
a project of MakeWay

Clean Economy Youth Challenge

Register by March 25

Build the future at the Sustainable Workforce Summit

The future can feel uncertain, and we’re asking for your help to inspire other young people in Canada to choose careers in the clean economy. The Clean Economy Youth Challenge aims to center the ideas and creativity of young people in the ongoing conversation around sustainable futures and a sustainable workforce.

Two youth girls walking on a pedestrian path next to the water, with the backdrop of Vancouver city buildings and trees

How to Participate

Individually or as a two-person team, design a unique campaign to answer:

How can we inspire young people in Canada to choose careers in the clean economy?

DESIGN

The format is up to you - choose a video, text, or multimedia approach, as long as you follow the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines.

FORMAT

On March 31st, present your work at the Sustainable Workforce Summit to a panel of judges, and take the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

PRESENT

Steps

STEP 1

Ask your parent or guardian for permission for you to sign-up and participate. 

STEP 2

Decide if you’re working alone or as a duo.

STEP 3

Do some research on whatever thematic stream interests you.

STEP 4

Pick a format for your campaign.

STEP 5

Design a campaign and cite your sources.

STEP 6

Register yourself (and your teammate, if applicable), and upload all your materials. If you’re working as a duo, you only need to submit your campaign once. There will be a spot to add your teammate’s information for registration.

Guidelines

Download the playbook

    • Open to BC students, ages 15-18.

    • Teams of 2 students; individual entries allowed. [We will cap the number of teams at 12, so please register as soon as you can].

    • Schools, youth groups, and community organizations may sponsor entries.

    • Submit only one (1) campaign per person or duo

    • The campaign must target youth ages 15–18 in BC.

    • Must indicate the target audience for the campaign.

    • Must highlight at least one thematic stream.

    • All work must be original and cite sources for facts or statistics.

    • Digital submissions only.

    • Videos must be under 2 minutes.

    • Written materials must not exceed 600 words.

    • All external music/images must be copyright-free or properly licensed.

    • All teams must present their campaign in person on Day 1 of the Sustainable Workforce Conference (March 31st) and be able to speak to their presentations during  breaks and lunch period.

    • The team will have use of one half of a table for their display (4 ft), and access to a power supply. All other material must be provided by the team or individual.

Campaigns may highlight opportunities in energy efficiency, heat pumps, EVs, green buildings, forestry innovation, circular economy, clean tech research, or other climate-positive sectors.

Thematic Streams

Wind turbine with a backdrop of a forest and clouds 
THEME 1

Clean Energy & Electrification

Focus on renewable electricity (hydro, wind, solar), electrified transportation, battery tech, or grid innovation.

Sponsored by Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) Sustainable Workforce Coalition

Close up of a hand drilling into a solar panel frame 
THEME 2

Green Buildings & Retrofits

Explore jobs improving building performance—retrofits, insulation, design, engineering, HVAC, heat pump installation, energy advising, safety and regulatory compliance etc.

Sponsored by Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

Heat pump meter square display 
THEME 3

Innovation & Clean Tech

Highlight BC’s emerging tech sectors: hydrogen, biotech, software for climate data and modelling, ocean tech, materials innovation, carbon mitigation, load management, smart metering, heat pumps, etc.

Sponsored by Toronto 2030 District (T2030D)

Submission deadline: March 25

Conference date: March 31

Submission deadline: March 25 Conference date: March 31

Prizes

The prizes will be announced at the end of the day, following the conference proceedings. 

UCL’s Grand Prize $2000 + national media profile in The Energy Mix

New Economy Canada People’s Choice Award $1500

$1,000 x 3 Thematic winners

Judging Criteria

JUDGING CRITERIA FOR THE FIRST PRIZE AND THEMATIC WINNERS:
30%

Creativity &
Engagement

25%

Accuracy &
Insight

25%

Impact &
Persuasiveness

20%

Feasibility &
Clarity

The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by conference participants and announced at the end of the day. They’ll have the chance to view your campaigns during lunch and coffee breaks between sessions.

Register

Register individually or as a two-person team by filling out the corresponding form. The deadline is March 25th.

Please review our terms & conditions, and privacy policy before registering, and please download the consent form and obtain the permission of your parent or guardian.

Download the consent form

Questions

Check out the FAQs if you run into any trouble! 

If you can’t see the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at maia@urbanclimateleadership.org

  • No—ensure you have your campaign ready to go before registering.

  • Yes—but if you’re working as a team, you can send a single representative.

  • No—the Sustainable Workforce Summit will be providing entrance to the conference for challenge participants, although you will be responsible for covering the cost of transport.

Partners