Submitted by Amber Schilberg, Energize Connecticut
(January 9, 2025) — Registration is now open for the 20th Annual eesmarts™ Student Contest, presented by the Energize Connecticut℠ Sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG).
For two decades, eesmarts has encouraged Connecticut students in grades K-12 to discover how energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable solutions can impact our world through grade-level-appropriate prompts. 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.
“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,” said Eversource Director of Business Operations and Support, Stephen Bruno. “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, 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,” said Erik Robie, Director of Customer Programs and Products, including Conservation and Load Management, at UI, CNG, and SCG. “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.”
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 registration is open until March 21, 2025. Project submissions are due on March 28, 2025. All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects will be accepted.
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. Winners will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card.
For more information about the contest, please visit EnergizeCT.com/student-contest.
