Register for UNLESS

Ready to take the next step?

Below is all the information you need to register for this year’s UNLESS Contest.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens October 1st and ends November 30th.

UNLESS Contest end date: March 31 (must submit Final Report by this date)

Group size: Up to 40 students. There is no limit to the number of registered groups per school, but each team must complete separate projects in order to be considered to win. Groups doing the same project are welcome to participate.

Cost: Free of charge

Goals:

• Choose a challenge to work on, a zoo inspiration animal, and a local species to be the faces of your campaign
• Conduct a student-led, campaign-based project that gets your community involved
• Submit quantitative and qualitative results from your challenge at the end of the contest

Structure:

1. Register your group.
2. Join at least one video chat session with the Philadelphia Zoo (you can schedule this at your convenience).
3. Schedule a field trip or virtual field trip with a Zoo Expert.
4. Develop and implement a student-driven campaign focused on a zoo inspiration animal, a local species, and a challenge to effect change in your community.
5. Submit quantitative and qualitative results in a Final Report.
6. Celebrate your hard work at the UNLESS Contest Celebration Event May 14th.

A more detailed look at what is expected can be found on the Participation Portal.

Prizes

After almost a year of hard work helping wildlife, we want to celebrate your efforts! All will be invited to attend the UNLESS Contest Celebration Event May 14th, 2026. At the ceremony, particular groups of this year’s contest will be announced and recognized with monetary prizes and physical awards.