We’re excited to announce that the 2026–2027 World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest sponsored by Population Education is now open! The contest challenges middle and high school students to think critically about pressing global issues and creatively present sustainable solutions in a 1-minute video. This year’s topics—City Planning, Fresh Water Use, and Extreme Weather—have direct connections to Geography standards, making this an engaging, ready-to-use opportunity for educators.

The contest is open worldwide, completely free to enter, and offers students the chance to win up to $1,200 in prizes. To make participation easy, we provide a range of resources, including a digital Project Organizer, to support educators and students at every step. Submissions are due March 3, 2027.

We're also offering mini-grants of $100-500 to support educators who need additional resources to bring the contest to their classroom. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis, and educators will be accepted through October 30, 2026.

MORE INFORMATION.  More information including a detailed schedule may be accessed by visiting this website. 

OVERVIEW: K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, informal educators, and lifelong learners are invited to join the 2027 Balkan Field Experience, an immersive program exploring the region’s geography, history, and culture. The program runs from June 20 (arrival in Belgrade, Serbia) to July 1, 2027 (departure from Dubrovnik, Croatia). The Balkans offers an opportunity to learn through guided exploration a unique region of the world, often unknown or unexplored by many in the U.S. The regional insights provide a global experience that may be viewed through a variety of interdisciplinary and cross-curricula lenses. 

As the region is rather unexplored by many U.S. educators, this experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with key themes include geopolitics, nationalism, and identity; food and culture; natural resource use; religious and cultural diversity; urban development and post-socialist transitions; Mediterranean and marine ecology, coastal tourism, and war, memory, and post-conflict reconstruction.  

Designed for educators of geography, world history, international relations, peace and conflict studies, and human rights and law, the program features expert briefings, guided walking tours, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

Participants will engage with local experts, educators, and community leaders, gaining diverse perspectives that enhance global competence and enrich classroom teaching. This program also fosters lasting professional connections among U.S. educators.  Through the Virginia Geographic Alliance, eighty professional development points will be awarded to individuals who complete program requirements. 

PARTNERS: The 2027 Balkan Field Experience builds upon a partnership with A.C.E. Adventure , Virginia Geographic Alliance, Maryland Geographic Alliance, and Balkan researchers. 

COST.  $3,820 (USD).  Additional fees apply for single room supplement ($600).  The final cost may be reduced based on the total number of participants.

TIMELINE: The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 13, 2026.  Upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable $500 deposit will be due by January 15, 2027. Should the program be deemed non-operational, the $500 deposit will be refunded.  The remaining balance will be due in two installments: 50% residual payment due by February 15, 2027, with the final remaining balance due by March 15, 2027. 

QUESTIONS: Email Dr. Michael Allen (mallen@towson.edu) or Jennifer Burgin (jennifer.burgin@apsva.us) with questions.