Application Deadline:
February 9, 2026
About Organisation
Planet Forward, founded in 2009 by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno, is housed at the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs. It is a leading platform dedicated to strengthening environmental and science communication among college students. Through storytelling, media, and experiential learning, Planet Forward empowers young voices to spotlight ideas and innovations shaping a sustainable future. The organization engages students nationwide through workshops, events, and its annual Storyfest Awards, helping them build compelling narratives around environmental challenges and solutions. Planet Forward plays a critical role in nurturing the next generation of environmental storytellers and changemakers.
About the Grant
The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards celebrate outstanding environmental storytelling by college students. The contest highlights stories that explore climate justice, conservation, rising sea levels, public health, biodiversity, sustainable food systems, and innovations for a greener future. Students may submit video, written, multimedia, or photography-based stories, each judged for creativity, research depth, and impact. In addition to category awards—Best Video, Best Written Story, Best Multimedia Story, and Best Photography Entry—Planet Forward also offers the Framing the Future Award and the Fan Favorite Award. Winners earn a coveted storytelling expedition, offering a transformative field experience.
Who can Apply?
The awards are open to college students from any academic background, including journalism, engineering, science, design, public policy, or the arts. All submissions must be original work created and authored by the entrant. Entries must be published on the Planet Forward website and follow category-specific guidelines—such as video length, word limits, image requirements, and use of primary source materials. All students submitting stories are automatically considered for multiple award categories, including the Fan Favorite Award, determined through public voting. Participants should ensure their stories align with Planet Forward’s mission: showcasing ideas, innovations, and solutions that move the planet toward a sustainable future.
How to Apply?
Students must log into their PlanetForward.org account or create a new one, draft their story directly on the website, and select the “This is a Storyfest entry” option before submitting. Entries must follow category guidelines for format, length, and required materials. Applicants should review the official rules before submission and ensure that all components are completed by the deadline. Once submitted, the story automatically enters the competition.
Application Deadline
The final deadline to submit entries for the Planet Forward Storyfest Awards is February 9, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET. All completed stories must be published before this time.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
