Green Spark 2026:
National Student Solutions Showcase

Your Ideas. Your Voice. Your Spark.

Join us Virtually on April 24, 2026

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What if your idea could change your school
or even your community?

Green Spark 2026 is a nationwide virtual showcase celebrating K-12 students who are turning their ideas into real solutions for people and the planet.

On Friday, April 24, 2026, students and educators from every state will log in for a day of creativity and action through three live sessions that fit any school schedule.

From advocacy campaigns and design challenges to art that inspires change — it’s a space where student voices lead and ideas come to life.

Who Can Participate
Project Focus Areas
Submit Your Project
Recognition & Celebration

Who Can Participate

Who Can Participate

Open to all K-12 students in the U.S. – individuals, small groups, or whole classes. Educators and advisors can guide submissions and/or join live with their students.

Viewer Participants

Even if you’re not presenting, your class can join the live showcase to engage in breakout rooms, Q&A panels, and activities with educators nationwide. Every classroom has a role to play.
Project Focus Areas
Submit Your Project
Recognition & Celebration

Focus Areas: Choose What Sparks You

Students choose what matters most to them. Projects may fit one or several of these themes

Nature-Inspired Design

Apply nature’s patterns to real problems.

Advocacy & Awareness

Inform and
inspire change

Community Solutions

Collaborate to strengthen wellbeing.

School Improvements

Create healthier, more inclusive learning spaces.

Art & Storytelling for Change

Use creativity to build empathy and action.
Who Can Participate
Submit Your Project
Recognition & Celebration

Share Your Spark

Every big idea starts with one small step and your first step is sharing it.

Important Dates

Call for Proposals Opens | Nov. 6, 2025
Students & teachers start submitting projects.
Submission Deadline | Dec. 22, 2025
All entries due.
Student Info Session (Virtual) | Dec. 11, 2025
Join us for a brief Q&A session and submission tips.
Mentorship Sessions | Mar 1 – Apr 15 2026
Coaching for student presenters, educators and more. Stay tune
Virtual Showcase | Apr 24, 2026
Three live sessions across the day.
Acceptance Notifications | Jan. 22, 2026
Selected projects announced

How to Submit Projects

Complete the online form describing your project and the challenge you’re addressing.

The form will ask for you to add a short Commitment to Action paragraph or 1-minute video starting with “Our commitment to action is…”

Upload optional media (photos or 2-min video).

Include teacher/advisor contact info.

For Elementary School Projects: Teachers may submit on behalf of their class with a brief description and a one-sentence “Seeds of Change” statement.

Who Can Participate
Project Focus Areas
Recognition & Celebration

Share Your Spark

Every participant is recognized with a Green Spark Certificate signed by the GSNN Executive Director.

Certificate Levels

Elementary School

Seeds of Change

Middle School

Rising Innovator

High School

Changemaker

PLUS

Spotlight Stories

Outstanding projects featured live during the event.

Digital Gallery

All accepted projects showcased online year-round.

Educator Champions

Teachers recognized for exceptional support.

Are you Ready to Inspire Others?

Every big idea starts with a small spark. Share yours and join students nationwide turning ideas into action.

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

Green Spark 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🎓 For Students

Who can submit a project to Green Spark 2026?
Any student in grades K–12 in the United States can participate! Projects can be submitted by individual students, small teams, or entire classes.
What kinds of projects can I share?
Any project that offers a solution to improve your school or community. It can be a new idea, something in progress, or something you’ve already completed. Examples include advocacy campaigns, design ideas, partnerships, or creative storytelling projects
Do I need to present live at the event?

If your project is selected, you’ll present during one of the three live virtual sessions on April 24, 2026 (Morning, Midday, or Afternoon). We’ll offer practice sessions and mentoring beforehand so you’ll feel confident and ready.

Can I still submit if I’ve never done a project like this before?
Absolutely! Green Spark is about creativity, not perfection. We welcome first-time projects and ideas that are still growing.
Can I submit with friends or my whole class?
Yes! You can work individually, as a small team, or as a class. Just make sure your teacher or advisor helps you complete the submission form.

👩🏽‍🏫 For Teachers and Advisors

What’s my role as a teacher or advisor?
Teachers serve as mentors and primary contacts. You’ll help students reflect on their project, complete the submission form, and ensure media permissions are in place
Can I submit on behalf of my elementary class?

Yes! For grades K–6, teachers submit projects on behalf of their students. You’ll complete a simplified version of the form with a short description, one-sentence “Seeds of Change” statement, and optional photos or artwork.

How can I use this as a classroom activity?
Green Spark fits perfectly into project-based learning, STEM/STEAM, social studies, or advisory classes. Encourage students to identify a real problem, design a solution, and share their story. You can even align it with your sustainability or community service goals.
Is there any support for teachers before the showcase?

Yes! GSNN and EcoRise will offer virtual professional learning sessions focused on supporting student innovation, advocacy, and project storytelling.

How will I know if my students are selected?

You’ll receive an email notification by January 22, 2026 confirming your school’s acceptance and next steps for mentoring and presentation prep.

💻 Technical and Submission Questions

How do I submit a project?

Use our online submission form between November 14 and December 20, 2025. The form link is available on the GSNN website and includes clear steps for uploading your project information, story, and media.

What if my school’s internet or device access is limited?
No problem — you can record your project on a phone or tablet and upload the video, or submit a short written description with photos. We’ll make the process flexible so every school can participate
Do I need parent permission to participate?
Yes. Teachers should confirm that students’ media (photos, videos) have parental consent before submitting. GSNN will not post or publish materials without permission.
Can multiple teams from the same school apply?
Yes! Schools can submit up to three projects across different grade levels or themes.

🌎 General Event Questions

When and how is the Green Spark Showcase held

The national showcase takes place virtually on Friday, April 24, 2026. There will be three sessions (Morning, Midday, and Afternoon) to make it easy for schools in every time zone to participate live.

What recognition will participants receive?

All participants will receive a Green Spark Recognition Certificate and be featured in the Green Spark Digital Gallery. A few projects will also be spotlighted as Outstanding Stories of Impact during the live event.

How can I or my school stay informed?

Sign up for GSNN’s newsletter, follow our social media channels, and register for the Student Info Session on December 11, 2025.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Reach out anytime to info@greenschoolsnationalnetwork.org. Our team is happy to help you or your students get started!

What if my project isn’t selected to present?

Green Spark is a program for everyone! Even if your project isn’t selected for presentation, your class is encouraged to participate as viewer participants during the virtual showcase.

Viewer participants have access to the same live sessions and can:

  • Join interactive breakout rooms.
  • Take part in Q&A panels with student presenters.
  • Participate in short coaching activities led by GSNN educators and partners.

Every classroom plays an important role in the Green Spark movement – learning, connecting, and sharing ideas that spark change.