Home / Education / Competitions / Sustainable You(th) Challenge: Growing a better future

Are you:

Aged 15 to 17?

Interested in sustainability and keen to be part of making a climate-positive change?

Curious about utilising nature to support more sustainable food systems?

Passionate about exploring nature-based solutions to climate change that benefit people globally?

Keen to consider how you can have a positive global impact and be a force for environmental change?

Eager to learn, experience and understand how our global food system can work better for nature?

If so, then this opportunity is for you!

Apply here!

The Sustainable You(th) Challenge aims to develop and build on your passion for creating a more sustainable future by challenging you to explore and drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

Focusing on sustainable food production, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security, taking part will help empower you to be a force for good. This challenge will give you many varying experiences of how sustainable food production plays a pivotal role in addressing global climate change. You will explore the innovation, science and technology driving climate positive solutions. You will get a deep insight into a sector that is vital to feeding the planet and shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.

Who’s it for?

If you are a student aged 15-17*, with a passion for tackling global challenges, driving climate-positive change, and exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Whether you are interested in sustainability, environmental science, technology, or the agri-food sector, this is your chance to learn and explore how your ideas could help drive real impact.

Looking to share our Sustainable You(th) Challenge with young people? Explore our ready-to-use resource pack on Countryside Classroom.

What’s involved?

A Challenge Day at Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming – named as one of the top 100 institutions globally to study agriculture and renowned for education and research focused on agriculture, food production, and rural industries.
A hands-on residential weekend at Harper Adams University giving you a deep dive immersion into the agri-food sector and future career pathways.
Involvement with the UK’s annual farm open day – Open Fam Sunday (OFS). You will have the opportunity to visit farm events and see how OFS connects thousands of people with farming and food production.

Why take part?

Explore a leading University and discover future pathways and opportunities linked to sustainability, environmental science and food production – gaining insights into cutting-edge courses and careers shaping our planet’s future.
Connect with industry leaders in sustainability and agri-food, gaining exclusive access to events, mentoring, and opportunities to contribute to national food and farming and climate positive campaigns
Boost your CV, UCAS and job applications by showcasing your passion for sustainability and commitment to driving positive environmental change and to pursue green career options
Develop in-demand skills - teamwork, communication, research, critical thinking, adaptability and creativity – that will set you apart in any career.
Meet like-minded change makers – people your age eager to make a difference, solve global challenges, and shape the transition to more sustainable futures
Challenge yourself – build your confidence, discover your strengths, and have fun along the way!

Prizes include:

Opportunities to engage further with industry and gain real-world experience;
Bursaries to support further education in sustainability, food production, or the land-based sector;
Grade reductions for stand-out students to help secure a place at top universities;
And more opportunities and prizes still to be announced!

This is more than a challenge, it is your chance to drive change, gain invaluable experience, and take the first step towards a meaningful, sustainability-focused future.

Key dates:

18 October 2025: Applications open

28 January 2026: Applications close after which industry judges will shortlist 60 semi-finalists

25 April 2026: Challenge Day at Harper Adams University (Travel bursaries to support attendance)

7 June 2026: Engagement with Open Farm Sunday – the agri-industry’s annual open day

4-6 September 2026: 2-day residential finalists’ weekend at Harper Adams University where final winners will be announced. (Travel bursaries to support attendance)

Applying for the challenge:

When: Applications open 18 October 2025 until 28 January 2026.

Where: Open for applicants from across the UK.

*Age: Open to students studying at a UK school or college and those that are home educated. Students must be in Year 12 or 13 in the academic year 2026/2027 or born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2010. This means applications will come from students in Year 11 or 12 in the academic year of 2025/2026.

Cost: FREE to enter

Travel bursaries available to contribute towards travel costs for both events held at Harper Adams University
A free shuttle bus will run from both Stafford and Telford stations to the Harper Adams campus for each event. If you would like to reserve a seat, please indicate this on your application form.

How: You will need to share a response to: What does sustainability mean to you?

FAQ: Click here.

Apply here!