The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring young people from across the U.S. and Canada who are making the world a better place. The young heroes we honor demonstrate heroic ideals and remind us that we can all make a difference. We shine the spotlight on these dedicated young people to inspire countless others by their example. If you know a young person helping their community or the environment, encourage them to apply for our 2024 awards cycle. The online application is now open so young leaders can access it and begin compiling their materials. Applications are due April 15, with winners announced in late September. Established in 2001 by author T. A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people or the environment. Fifteen top winners each receive $10,000 to support their service work or higher education.
Meet Recent Recipients of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Here are some of the fantastic things that recent winners and honorees are doing to help protect the planet, along with their encouraging and insightful words of wisdom:
- Mateo Lange created a community recycling program in his small town that has raised over $250,000 for more than 50 local youth organizations…
- Matias Habib developed an eco-friendly pesticide to combat the Japanese Beetle…
- Nathan Elias developed InvasiveAI, an app that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify invasive plant species…
- Rafi Ahmad founded Operation Viridis, a nonprofit climate justice initiative…
- Rory Hu conducted yearlong research that yielded a viable way to prevent Colony Collapse Disorder…
- Shrusti Amula founded the Rise N Shine Foundation in 2019 to reduce food waste in her community…
- Maanit Goel founded the Washington Youth Ocean & River Conservation Alliance (WYORCA) to protect Pacific Northwest orca and salmon…
