This Pest Control Brand Is Betting on the Next Generation of Bug Scientists
Orkin, the nation’s leading pest control brand, is celebrating its 125-year anniversary by launching the first-ever social-first science fair contest, offering over $180,000 in scholarships to inspire the next generation of entomologists. The grand prize winner will also receive an invitation to join Orkin at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Orkin spotted a critical gap: there’s a global shortage of entomologists despite a growing need to help discover the role insects can potentially have in solving major challenges like climate change and healthcare issues. Orkin also recognised that everything is inspired by insects and the research behind them. According to YouGov, 50% of kids' interest in insects changes between ages six-12. In fact, kids are curious, not fearful. Insects still drive curiosity and fascination over fear, but that curiosity is not fed.
So, Orkin created the Insect 2151 science fair using its scientific expertise to reignite students’ curiosity and open doors to careers in entomology. The science fair gives students the freedom to explore their own personal interests more through the lens of entomology to create their own unique project.
Through the Orkin Insect 2151 Science Fair, high school students choose an interest, select a pest, and develop a project that showcases the next 125 years through insects.
The grand prize winner receives a $100,000 scholarship toward entomology studies, will also receive an invitation to join Orkin in Washington, D.C. during the opening of a new visitor experience at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which Orkin is supporting. Additional prizes include $40,000 (2nd place), $25,000 (3rd place), and four $5,000 awards.
The campaign, created in collaboration with creative agency TBWA\Chiat\Day Chicago, reinforces Orkin's "Best in Pests" positioning, proving they know the most through continued education, training, and innovation while differentiating the category from competitors who solely focus on pest elimination.
The campaign will run across TikTok and YouTube from June 16 through September 16, featuring social videos, key visuals, and a dedicated contest landing page.
CONTEST DETAILS
To enter, students ages 14-18 must:
Choose an area of interest such as technology, sports and health, arts and design, entertainment or environmental sciences.
- Select an insect that inspires them.
- Develop a scientific question about that insect.
- Gather evidence through research, observation, experimentation or design.
- Create an original insect-inspired concept, design or prototype.
- Record and submit a video presentation of three minutes or less explaining their idea and its potential impact.
A total of $180,000 in scholarship prizes will be awarded to the top presentations submitted.
- First Place: $100,000 scholarship
- Second Place: $40,000 scholarship
- Third Place: $20,000 scholarship
- Four Honourable Mentions: $5,000 scholarships each
The first-place winner will also receive an invitation to join Orkin in Washington, D.C. during the opening of a new visitor experience at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which Orkin is generously supporting.
Parents or guardians must submit entries on behalf of minors. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements and submission details are available at orkininsect2151.com
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