Climate Smart Youth Video Competition
Deadline: October 31st
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) is a youth-led nonprofit that empowers teens and young adults to combat climate change now through impactful policy and education initiatives. In our Climate Smart Youth Video Competition, we invite youth from San José to bring their creativity to educate their peers, families, local governments, and the broader community about climate action through engaging and informative videos.
2. Plan and Record your video
We’re partnering with CreaTV San José, a local organization that empowers the diverse community of San José to share their stories through media by providing training, tools, and platforms to underrepresented communities. CreaTV offers participants in this video competition equipment loaning for cameras and ipads, access to Adobe editing software, standard training on camera use and video editing, and one-on-one mentoring sessions (all free of cost!). We encourage you to take advantage of these resources to help develop your media skills and ensure high quality videos (note: whether you use these resources or not won't affect how you’re judged – you’ll only be evaluated based on your video submission itself). You can learn more in this blog posted by CreaTV
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)
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)
.png)
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, will be linked in the form).
Winning Videos
Winning videos will be displayed at a screening event at City Council Chambers on a Saturday afternoon in January 2026: 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).
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 and originality (20%) - Does the video present unique ideas or a creative style that enhances the message?
Understanding of theme (20%) - How well does the video explain the chosen Climate Smart San Jose theme?
Problem Analysis (20%) - Does the video identify a relevant problem and explain why it matters in San Jose?
Clear Commuication (20%) - Are the ideas presented and easy to follow?
Art & Design (20%) - Does the video use visual design elements effectively to support the message?
Where can I find information about climate change impacts in San Jose?
We have many resources included in our resource section in the nav bar
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.