International GENIUS Speech Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
$20,000 Renewable RIT Scholarship
The International GENIUS Speech Olympiad empowers high school students globally to advocate for environmental solutions through persuasive public speaking. Participants develop critical communication skills and gain international recognition.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$600
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Initial application period, followed by a multi-day in-person final event
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to high school students (grades 8-12) aged 13-18 globally. Participants must be proficient in English for all presentations. Students under 17 years old require an adult chaperone for the in-person final event.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a high school student.
- Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English for presentations.
- Strong interest in environmental issues and ability to conduct research on environmental topics.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$20,000 Scholarship
Renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are awarded to Gold Medalists ($20,000), Silver Medalists ($18,000), Bronze Medalists ($15,000), Honorable Mention ($14,000), Participants ($12,000), and Finalists ($10,000) upon admission to RIT. These scholarships are specifically for international students and are renewable annually for undergraduate study.
Certificate
GENIUS Olympiad Certificate
All participants receive a GENIUS Participant Certificate. Winners receive Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Honorable Mention Certificates, recognized by Terra Science and Education and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Offers significant renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for international students, enhancing opportunities for higher education. Participation is a notable achievement for college applications, demonstrating strong public speaking and environmental advocacy skills.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 1 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 8 Jun 2026 to 12 Jun 2026
- Results
- 12 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Applications are submitted online through the GENIUS Olympiad website.
- 2A project video, three minutes or less and in English, must be uploaded to YouTube with a specific title format and the link submitted as part of the application.
- 3Finalists are announced and must confirm participation by registering and paying the required fees.
- 4International participants requiring a visa can create and print an invitation letter from their application account after registration and fee payment.
Rules and guidelines
- A speech project must be prepared and submitted by only one student.
- The speech project video must be three minutes or less long.
- Participants must be able to answer questions from judges on their environmental issue.
- Travel expenses to and from the GENIUS Olympiad event campus are the participants' responsibility.
- All projects must be original work and represent the student's own effort and understanding.
- Supervisors are not permitted in the judging room during judging sessions.
- Participants must adhere to the Code of Conduct of the International GENIUS Olympiad.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer and internet for online application and video submission.
- Video recording equipment for creating the speech project video.
- A YouTube account for uploading the project video.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
An application fee of $60 USD per project is required. If selected as a finalist, a participation fee of $600 USD per participant. Optional airport pick-up and drop-off services are available for an additional fee. Guest fees for chaperones are $500 USD (off-campus) or $850 USD (on-campus).
Refund policy
Only 50% of the participation fee is refundable within a specific time. Application fees are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The International GENIUS Speech Olympiad is a prestigious global competition designed for high school students passionate about environmental issues. This Olympiad encourages young individuals to utilize their public speaking abilities to raise awareness and propose innovative solutions for pressing global environmental challenges. It serves as a vital platform for fostering environmental consciousness and enabling youth worldwide to share their ideas for a sustainable future.
This competition is open to high school students, typically those in grades 8-12, who are at least 13 years old. Participants must demonstrate proficiency in English, as all speeches and presentations are conducted in English. Students under 17 years of age are required to have an adult chaperone accompany them for the in-person final event, which emphasizes original thought and well-researched solutions relevant to their home country.
Participants gain invaluable public speaking, research, and advocacy skills, alongside a deeper understanding of complex global environmental issues. Winners receive significant recognition, including renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and official certificates. The Olympiad also offers a unique cultural exchange experience, allowing students to interact and network with peers from over 80 countries, fostering a global community of environmental leaders.
The final event is typically held in person at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, USA. The competition challenges students to present compelling arguments and solutions, contributing to a global dialogue on environmental protection and sustainability.
Rounds and format
The application process involves submitting a video of a three-minute speech for initial evaluation. Finalists are then invited to an in-person event for further judging, where they deliver a speech on a podium (up to five minutes) and answer questions from judges on a specific environmental issue related to their country.
How entries are judged
Speeches are evaluated on organization, content, clarity of voice and audio, and the ability to respond to questions from judges. The work should represent the student's own effort, understanding, and problem-solving, with a clear relationship to environmental themes. Overall impression and impact are also considered.
Selection process
Selection is based on the quality of the submitted speech video, demonstrating public speaking skills, understanding of environmental issues, and the ability to propose solutions. Finalists are chosen to advance to the in-person competition.
How to prepare
- GENIUS Olympiad website for rules and guidelines
- Information on current environmental issues, particularly the annual topic
- Public speaking guides and resources
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition focuses on developing and delivering persuasive speeches on environmental issues. This includes comprehensive research, structuring compelling arguments, effective presentation techniques, and engaging in Q&A sessions with judges. The annual topic, such as 'Carbon Trading', requires students to address it from their country's perspective.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the International GENIUS Speech Olympiad?
Effective preparation involves thorough research on global environmental issues, developing a compelling and original speech, and practicing public speaking skills. Students should review past topics and judging criteria to align their project with the competition's focus on innovative solutions and persuasive communication.
What strategies can participants use to manage competitive pressure during the event?
Participants can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their own presentation and message, rather than comparing themselves to others. Practicing relaxation techniques, getting adequate rest, and engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds can help maintain a positive mindset and enhance the overall experience.
How are speeches evaluated, and what are the key judging criteria?
Speeches are evaluated based on organization, content, clarity of voice and audio, and the ability to respond to questions from judges. Judges look for originality, depth of research, relevance to environmental challenges, and the overall impact and persuasiveness of the presentation.
What are the long-term benefits of participating in this international competition?
Participation offers significant long-term benefits, including enhanced public speaking and research skills, international recognition, and networking opportunities with peers globally. It also provides a strong foundation for higher education, particularly through renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for award winners.
How do students ensure their speech project is original and avoids plagiarism?
Students must ensure all work is original and represents their own effort and understanding. Thoroughly citing all sources, avoiding direct copying, and focusing on developing unique perspectives and solutions are crucial. The competition strictly enforces rules against plagiarism, and projects must demonstrate individual thought.
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