Please take a look at past winning projects for some great inspiration!

From student groups implementing a school waste management plan to planning community STEM nights showcasing energy activities learned to reinforce students’ energy knowledge, to making an energy efficiency pledge and documenting how the activities and visibility in the community have made an impact – there are endless project ideas!

Please do not hesitate in giving us a call or sending us an email if you are questioning if a project your students are working on would be acceptable. We’d love to clarify and assist you – Toll Free Number 1-800-875-5029 or email info@need.org.

Youth Awards Projects can be submitted in one of two categories. Depending on the level of engagement in energy activities and outreach in the community that your group is able to tackle, you may elect to submit a Youth Awards Foundations Project or a Youth Awards Signature Project. You can learn more about project types in our Project Guidelines section.

PDF
Obtain a loose-leaf binder or keep a digital file in which to compile all of the activities, work samples, photos and videos you collect along the way as you work through your project. Use these items to help create your digital slideshow in PowerPoint or other similar software. Your slideshow must be able to be saved as a PDF for uploading once complete. Make sure your slides follow this format.

+VIDEO
Groups may elect to submit video documentation with their submissions. Videos should be no longer than three minutes. Videos should be created and uploaded to YouTube for hosting.

A link to the video must be shared when completing application information on the Youth Awards Project submission web site. Programs should ensure students have completed their school’s media release documentation, if necessary.

Once student projects are submitted, NEED will convene a panel of industry and education experts to review projects. Youth Awards Signature and Foundations Project participants will be recognized for their efforts. Teachers will be notified and receive information regarding their local recognition.

Signature Project submissions will be judged at the state and national levels, with the opportunity to attend the Youth Energy Conference and Awards in Washington, D.C. in June.

Foundation Project submissions are not judged and are not eligible to attend the Youth Energy Conference and Awards.

Signature Projects will be judged at the state and national levels with the opportunity to attend the Youth Energy Conference and Awards in June in Washington, D.C. 

State Awards Programs

• Many state NEED programs host awards luncheons or programs to recognize the outstanding projects in the state. States present plaques and certificates to participating schools. Contact The NEED Project at 1-800-875-5029 or at info@need.org for your state coordinator’s information.

National Awards Programs

• A national review committee will review all the top state projects and select the School of the Year for each grade level. Finalists for School of the Year will receive special recognition as well. 

Primary Projects — Grades K-2

Elementary Projects — Grades 3-5

Junior Projects — Grades 6-8

Senior Projects — Grades 9-12

Yes! We currently have the following special award categories:

• School District Energy Efficiency Conservation Award
• Rookie of the Year — recognized by NEED at the state and national levels
• Exemplary Community Education Project — demonstrates high levels of community outreach and engagement in energy education efforts
• Exemplary Energy Engineering and Design Project — showcases student engineering and design skills in the creation of energy related materials
• Exemplary School Energy Efficiency Project - exhibits interesting and measurable approach to a school-wide reduction in energy consumption
• Exemplary Workforce Education Project