IDEAS TO IMPACT OVERVIEW
Ideas to Impact is OFIS’s national educational campaign that invites young people to share how science can be used to address challenges in their communities. Open to participants ages 14–24, the campaign uses short-form video and social media to amplify youth perspectives on the role of science in solving real-world problems. Submissions will be judged by criteria such as content, creativity, feasibility, logic, originality, and overall quality. Winners receive cash prizes up to $1000.
Our campaign serves as an entry point into OFIS, introducing participants to the Explore stage of the OFIS Pathway through storytelling, community observation, and creative expression.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS DO
Participants create and share short-form videos that respond to a central prompt:
How can science make a difference in your community?
Through this process, participants:
Identify a challenge in their community
Explain how science can help address the issue
Communicate their ideas through video and storytelling
Share their perspectives with a national audience
Social media serves as a forum for activism and a powerful channel to learn how science lays out a concrete path toward change.
THE NEXT CAMPAIGN CYCLE WILL START IN SUMMER 2026.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT
CREATE & SUBMIT IN 3 EASY STEPS!
Create your video: Record a 60-second to 3-minute video using your phone or computer. Videos should be vertical with clear audio and lighting.
Tell your story: Use the campaign prompt to guide your video. Be creative—participants can incorporate visuals, music, text overlays, or collaboration with others.
Post and submit: Post your video on TikTok or Instagram using #ourfutureisscience and #OFIS, and tag @ourfutureisscience. To be considered for prizes, complete the official submission form.
FEATURED PAST WINNERS
Participants have explored a wide range of issues, including: Make a difference by sharing your creative ideas that use STEM to fix a problem in your community. Check out the videos of past winners!
Topic: Plastic Pollution
Topic: Air Pollution
Topic: Water Accessibility
Topic: Water Quality
Topic: Water Contamination
Topic: Rainfall
Your ideas matter. Share how science can make a difference in your community.
Guidance on entering, posting and submitting your video entry
1. Read the Entry Instructions
Read the Official Challenge Rules
Record one (1) 60-second to three-minute video on your mobile phone, computer, or tablet. Mobile phone-based videos are preferred. The video should be taken vertically with clear lighting.
Use the campaign framework detailed, but be creative! Feel free to add a dance, images, music, text overlays, or even tag-teaming with someone you know.
2. Create a video based on the Challenge Prompt
Use this prompt to guide the development of your video: How can science make a difference in your community?
Add a personalized caption and make sure to hashtag #ourfutureisscience and #OFIS; and tag @ourfutureisscience, as well as any others you’d like to include.
3. Post your awesome video and Complete the Entry Form
Optional: We’d like to repost your original video, so please "share," "stitch," and "duet" your video.
Post the video on TikTok or Instagram.
To formally submit your video for scholarship and cash prizes, complete the entry below or visit.
OFIS collaborates with schools, youth-serving organizations, scientists, and creators to expand the campaign's reach and elevate youth voices. Please contact us for information.