What is the Passion Project Challenge?
The Worthen Library is excited to host the 4th Passion Project Challenge. This event means to emphasize and celebrate the varied interests of the older youth in our community. This is not academically based. We ask that you focus on something you love, and create a project related to it to share with your fellow Islanders.
What are some examples of projects?
Last year was our third year! Past winning projects included stop motion animation, clothing design, illustration, and a truck recreation. We hope to be surprised by the passions and interests you share. If it appropriate to be presented in the library, it’s probably great! What are you excited about? What do you do after school?
Potential ideas could be a LEGO Build, graphic novel, an essay, choreographed dance, piece of art, computer game, rebuilding an engine, volunteer work, recipes, plan for getting more E-bikes in South Hero, a lesson plan teaching computers to seniors, poetry recitation, and on and on and on….Feel free to run potential ideas by Keagan Calkins (Worthen Librarian) if you’re unsure.
worthenlibrary@gmail.com
Who decides the Winners?
The judges will be chosen by the Passion Project Committee, and will be local residents without a direct connection to participants. Contact the library for more information regarding the process. Each participant will receive the rubric used for judging.
How do I participate?
1. Write a minimum two paragraph description that tells us about your project and a paragraph about how you would spend your prize money. Submit your paragraphs no later than March 12th at 6 pm.
2. Plan on being at the Worthen Library between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, March 19th 2026 to set up your display. The Passion Project Exhibit is just like a science fair. The exhibit will be open to the public and judges 6pm to 7pm. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the event.
Who can enter?
Island residents in 6th through 12th grade can participate.
What is the prize?
There will be up to 3 $500 prizes awarded with at least one prize going to a middle schooler.
What else?
The project should be new, created especially for this challenge. This should be done as independently as possible, though it is understandable that parents or mentors may be needed for guidance, transportation, supplies etc. Make this a reflection of you! There is no cost to be a part of this challenge. In fact, there are funds available if you need to purchase something for your project.
