Global Challenge Weekend is an online competition run by the Global Training Initiative (GTI) at NC State University. High school students from around the world meet online, form interdisciplinary teams, and have 36 hours to research, design, and propose a solution to a challenge connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Challenges:
Each edition has its own topic designed by faculty mentors from NC State and other UNC System schools. Two to three SDGs are announced in advance to frame the broader issue, and the specific challenge question is revealed live over Zoom at kickoff. Solutions can take many forms, such as software, an engineering prototype, a financial plan, a public policy proposal, or performance art.
The fall 2026 challenge covers SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Its NC State faculty mentors work in Political Science, Finance, and Public History.
Timeline:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register online and choose a specialty; registration unlocks the Knowledge Database |
| Mentor Meet & Greet | Technology orientation and mentor meet-and-greet the Friday night (Eastern time) before kickoff |
| Kickoff and competition | 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday (Eastern time); faculty mentors hold Zoom office hours |
| Submission | Final projects must be uploaded to Padlet by 8 p.m. Sunday (Eastern time) |
| Judging and awards | Judging takes place over the following weeks, ending with a winners' announcement over Zoom |
Teams:
Teams have 3–5 students. Students form their own teams through pitch sessions on Discord and Zoom during the weekend, and GTI staff help anyone who has not found a team. Every participant is assigned to a team by 12 p.m. (Eastern time) on Saturday. Students are not expected to stay up for 36 hours; GTI encourages forming teams with students from other time zones and delegating tasks.
Judging:
Projects are judged only on what is uploaded by the Sunday deadline; there are no live presentations, but teams may include a recorded presentation of under 10 minutes. Rubrics vary by edition, and winning projects are expected to present a clear, innovative, and implementable solution, use academic principles to support and reference the work, address the stated SDGs, and show teamwork.
Recognition:
Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation. Each member of the winning team(s) receives a Certificate of Excellence, and the winning solution is featured on the GTI website.
Cost:
The fee is $299 per student. Previous GTI Pre-College participants receive a $50 discount. Scholarships and financial aid are unavailable at this time.