Iceberg

Climate Smart: Youth Video
Competition

The 2026 to 2027 Climate Smart Youth Video Competition has just started.



What is the Climate Smart Youth Video Contest?


The Climate Smart Video Competition invites middle school and high school students to utilize their creativity to educate their peers, families, local governments, and the broader community about climate action through engaging and informative videos. The competition is organized by Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA), a youth-led nonprofit that empowers teens and young adults to combat climate change now through impactful policy and education initiatives. Check us out below!

Discover SVYCA
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1. Choose And Research Your Chosen Theme

You'll base your video content on one of four themes: Climate Justice, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Transit, or your own original topic!

Themes Resources

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Resources

We offer some resources to help get you started on researching your themes and encourage you to look further.

Research Tips

Start with reliable sources like the Climate Smart San Jose website, environmental organizations, and city government data. Look for local examples, success stories, and real solutions happening in your community.

Get Inspired

Explore how other young filmmakers have tackled environmental topics. Check out documentries, TED Talks, and community projects that address climate action in creative and engaging ways.

2. Plan And Record Your Video

Record your video following the guidelines and rules provided. Make sure to keep your video within the specified time limit for your category: 2-5 minutes for short videos, and 3-5 minutes for long videos. See the rules below for more information about things like AI policy, format, rubric, or citation.

Rules

Please note: anyone appearing in the video who is not a contestant will need to complete and submit the City's photo/video waiver form (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese).


CreaTV Logo camera recording image

3. Submit Your Video

Upload your video as a YouTube link (with public access) through the Google Form linked below
(Be prepared to fill out and submit your parental consent form as well, linked below and in the form.)


Submit Waivers




Winning Videos

Winning videos will be displayed at a screening event at City Council Chambers on a Saturday afternoon in January 2027: contestants, parents, friends, environmental groups, City Councilmembers, and others are invited to watch the winning videos, network, and discuss climate action (you're welcome to attend regardless of whether your video is selected as a winning entry).

2025/2026 Competition Winners

Check out last year's winning videos!

Short Videos

Julie Ha-Vy Le video thumbnail
1st Place

Julie Ha-Vy Le

Green Moves: Sustainable Transportation

Arjun Krishnan video thumbnail
2nd Place

Arjun Krishnan

Climate Action = Community Action

Team video thumbnail
3rd Place

Anthony Haws, Maricruz Vargas, Luis Hernandez Torres

Climate Action = Community Action

Long Videos

Jimmy Nguyen video thumbnail
1st Place

Jimmy Nguyen

Green Moves: Sustainable Transportation

Johana Tran video thumbnail
2nd Place

Johana Tran

Climate Action = Community Action

Leticia Cheng video thumbnail
3rd Place

Leticia Cheng

Climate Action = Community Action

In Partnership
With:

FAQS

Please let us know about any other questions or concerns at sjyouthclimateactionteam@gmail.com

Can I submit more than one video?
Yes! You can submit up to four different videos, but each submission must focus on a different theme. Each video will be judged separately.
What should I include in my video?

- Introduce your chosen theme and why it matters

- Explain the climate challenge in a way that's easy to understand

- Showcase innovative solutions relevant to San Jose

- Include a call to action for viewers

How will the videos be judged?

A diverse panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on:

  • Creativity: Demonstrates originality, innovation, and a unique approach to presenting the topic.
  • Storytelling: Effectively communicates a compelling narrative with a clear message and intention.
  • Technical quality: Showcases high production value through effective cinematography, editing, audio, and overall presentation.
  • Thematic relevance: Clearly aligns with the selected category and addresses its key ideas.
  • Information Content: Presents accurate, meaningful, and well-researched information that the audience can understand.
  • Impact/Call to action: Inspires viewers to reflect, engage, or take meaningful action toward climate solutions.
Where can I find information about climate change impacts in San Jose?
Check out our resources section for help getting started. We encourage you to research your chosen theme on your own as well. Think of what the City government is currently doing and should do to be more sustainable. You can also look at climate plans outside of San José to get inspired!
How can teachers incorporate this contest into class projects?

- Classroom presentation materials about climate topics

- Lesson plan suggestions that align with contest themes

- Virtual class visits from environmental professionals

How will prize money be distributed?
Prize money will be awarded in the form of gift cards or scholarship funds (winner's choice). For team submissions, the prize will be split equally among team members.