20th Anniversary Contest Invites Students and Teachers to Show How They Would Promote Clean Energy and Efficiency
Students and teachers in Connecticut are being invited to, “submit creative energy efficiency solutions,” in the 20th Annual Energize Connecticut℠ eesmarts™ Student Contest, sponsored by Energize Connecticut℠ and its sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas.
In the contest, sponsors say,
Student prompts for Grades K-8 include a poster (Grades K-2), limericks (Grade 3), outdoor billboard (Grade 4), fictional story with an energy-saving character (Grade 5), persuasive letter (Grade 6), comic strip (Grade 7), or social media post (Grade 8).
High school-age students, Grades 9-12, are asked to produce a persuasive image in words or pictures, such as a short poem (125 words or less) or cartoon strip (12 cells or less) that advocates for an energy-saving topic. Entries will be evaluated based on scientific validity and concise and convincing imagery.
Contest organizers also say that,
This year, in addition to student entries, teachers are invited to showcase their creativity by making a video or song alongside their students addressing why saving energy is important.
More information is available at the website for the contest, EnergizeCT.com/student-contest, which says that prizes for “Kindergarten through Grade 12” include,
First Prize: $400 Amazon™ gift card
Second Prize: $250 Amazon™ gift card
Third Prize: $100 Amazon™ gift card
Organizers add that,
Three Teachers will win
$250.00 gift certificate to Really Good Stuff
Eversource Director of Business Operations and Support, Stephen Bruno says, “Education is the foundation for a sustainable future, and by encouraging students to expand their knowledge about energy efficiency and clean energy through the eesmarts Student Contest, we are fostering a generation of innovators and leaders who will drive meaningful change. The contest has celebrated the creativity and vision of students and teachers who are building a brighter, more energy-conscious world for the last 20 years – one idea at a time.”
“From community projects and playwriting to posters and public service announcements,” said Erik Robie, Director of Customer Programs and Products, including Conservation & Load Management, at UI, CNG, and SCG, “the eesmarts Student Contest has received thousands of entries since its inception in 2005, but despite the varying prompts, one theme has remained constant throughout all of the student submissions – small habits or changes can make a big impact. That theme is one our teachers incorporate daily in their classrooms, which is why I look forward to seeing their proposals on how we can save energy and be more energy conscious”
“Contest registration is open until March 21, 2025. Project submissions are due on March 28, 2025,” organizers say. “All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects will be accepted.”
Contest organizers say that, “Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at a special awards ceremony to be held in May 2025 at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.”
Energize Connecticut says it,
helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the State of Connecticut, the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, UI, SCG and CNG, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 877.WISE.USE.
