World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest

The World of 8 Billion contest challenges students to create a one-minute video connecting human population growth to one of three announced global topics and proposing a sustainable solution. In the high school division (grades 9-12), first place wins $1,200, second place $600, and two honorable mentions $300 per topic; there are also $80 global finalist prizes and awards for the best video from each U.S. state.

The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 worldwide (a middle school division covers grades 6-8), making it an accessible award for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors as well as seniors.

Students submit videos directly through the contest website. The contest runs on the school-year calendar; the 2025-2026 submission deadline was March 4, 2026, with the next cycle opening in the fall.