Registration is open for the 19th 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.
This year, 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.
“To see the creativity and critical thinking displayed by Connecticut students who participate in this annual contest is always inspiring to me,” said Frank Reynolds, president and CEO of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas. “I look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and seeing these students’ commitment to helping us reduce our emissions and further the clean energy transition. Our students are our future, and the products of contests like this one make me confident we’re in good hands.”
“The eesmarts student contest has asked students throughout Connecticut to use their imagination to address critical energy issues by developing their own solutions that will help bring us closer to a clean energy future,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, vice president of energy efficiency and electric mobility for Eversource. “I look forward to seeing what our young minds bring to the table this year.”
Contest registration is open until March 22. Project submissions are due on March 29. All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects are being accepted this year.
Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held in May. Winners will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card.
For more information about the contest, visit EnergizeCT.com/student-contest.