Registration is open for the 21st annual eesmarts student contest, run by Energize Connecticut, which is sponsored by energy companies Eversource and Orange-based Avangrid subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas.
The contest invites Connecticut students in grades K-12 to answer grade level-specific prompts on how they would promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable solutions.
“Whether through art, writing or hands-on projects, every year students throughout Connecticut show us that the smallest energy-saving ideas can spark meaningful change,” said Marissa Westbrook, senior manager of conservation and load management at UI, SCG and CNG. “Their ingenuity and problem-solving skills displayed through their projects remind us that building an energy-conscious future starts with simple positive energy habits at a young age – and a willingness to imagine what’s possible.”
Students in grades K-8 are asked to submit their entries in the form of a poster (grades K-2), limerick (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).
Students in grades 9-12 will 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 topic. Entries will be evaluated based on scientific validity and concise and convincing imagery.
Contest registration is open until March 20. Project submissions are due on March 27. All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects are being accepted.
Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held in May at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Winners will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card.
For more information about the contest, visit EnergizeCT.com/student-contest.