Overview

Cancer is one of the most pressing global health challenges, and it impacts hundreds of thousands of lives each year. In order to raise awareness and inspire both action and early interest in cancer-related fields among the younger generation, nonprofit organizations curingwithCARE and the High School Health Research Forum are proud to present the 2025 Cancer Awareness & Action Challenge (CAAC). This challenge invites high school students to submit a short written proposal that offers an original, creative, evidence-based, and practical solution related to cancer-related community issues/topics, such as cancer prevention, access to cancer center care, public education or awareness, and healthcare policy. The challenge will encourage students to think critically and empower them, regardless of prior research experience, to explore their interests in health advocacy and research. All that is needed is a thoughtful idea that checks the boxes of the 2025 Prompt, and executes the proposal's passion, feasibility, and potential impact. 2025 CAAC Finalists will be recognized for their efforts, and the Grand Winner will receive a cash award and additional accolades.

Eligibility

The competition is only open to full-time high school students (grades 9-12) attending a public school, private school, or home school at the time of application. 

• U.S. citizenship is not required // International students may submit // Students living outside of the U.S. are eligible to submit

  Timeline

  Official applications open — August 1, 2025
  Final submission deadline — September 7, 2025 (11:59 PM EST); late entries will not be accepted!

  Judging period — September 8 - September 25, 2025
  Final winner and semifinalists announcement — September 26, 2025 

  2025 Prompt

  Select a specific, pressing problem of cancer prevention, access to treatment, awareness, or policy and propose an innovative, practical solution that can be created, campaigned for, and enacted by adolescents to address the issue. Access the full guidelines document to ensure a quality submission!

Read the document to ensure a competitive submission.

Submit your entry