Bright young minds outsmart CO2
Project Polar Bear is a way for small groups of young people to collectively make a big difference! This bi-national contest challenges teams of students to develop community projects that reduce the carbon dioxide load in the atmosphere.
Over the past three years, contest participants have reduced CO2 by nearly 200 million pounds. What’s more, their efforts have had a ripple effect, inspiring long-term change in communities through ongoing projects.
PBI teams up with zoos, aquariums, science centers, and other like-minded partners on the contest—anywhere in the U.S. and Canada with teens 14–17 years old and an adult mentor who want to take part in the challenge.
When is the contest held?
The contest begins in the fall of each year. Teams work on their project for three to four months, reporting on their progress through blogs on our website. Judging takes place in early spring and we announce the highest ranked team in April (although every team that reduces CO2 is a winner in our book!). Prizes for the 2011-2012 contest include a trip to Churchill, polar bear capital of the world, for the highest ranked team and their mentor, and a trip to San Diego, with special tours at the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, for the two honorable mention teams and their mentor.
Registration for the 2011-2012 contest ended on November 15, 2011. Registration for the 2012-2013 contest is September 15-October 31, 2012.
If you missed the registration period, you can sign up this fall if you're 14 to 17. In the meantime, polar bears need your help! You'll find some ideas in our FAQ. You can also start preparing for the next contest: Take a look at our contest categories, read the rules, check out our FAQ, meet past winners, and read the blogs of current teams as they approach the finish line. Check back for updates to the rules and FAQ later this summer—and then return to register in the fall!
Our Thanks
PBI especially recognizes Lowepro, PBI Project Polar Bear contest's platinum sponsor (and a leader in creating products from recycled materials). Big, big thanks also to Sea World San Diego and the San Diego Zoo.
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