Energize Connecticut Hosting Eesmarts Contest For Students

By Ciara Hooks Hooks, The Bristol Press

April 26, 2022

Energize Connecticut is hosting its 17th annual Eesmarts Student Contest and the deadline for submissions is this Friday.

Students K-12 are invited to enter the sustainability contest focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability solutions.

“For almost two decades, the eesmarts Student Contest has encouraged Connecticut students to tap into their imagination and knowledge to come up with solutions to address real-world energy issues,” Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian said. “Every year we’re impressed with the creative energy and thought the students put into their projects to address critical energy issues and emphasize the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Each grade level is assigned grade-specific topics.

Students in Grades K-2 are asked to submit their entries in the form of a poster; Grade 3 students are asked to submit a narrative; Grade 4 students are asked to submit a letter to the principal; Grade 5 students are asked to submit a book review; Grade 6 students are asked to submit a persuasive speech; Grade 7 students are asked to submit a persuasive poem or cartoon; and Grade 8 students are asked to submit a public service announcement.

For high school, students in Grades 9-11 are asked to propose a community-based project to address an energy-related issue. They are able to work collectively in groups of up to five members. The winning team’s school will receive funding to help make their proposed project a reality and must complete it by March 31, 2023.

High school seniors will be using multimedia for their entries. They must create a persuasive image that advocates for an energy topic and showcases their knowledge of the subject. Options include painting a picture, creating a sculpture or collage, drawing a cartoon strip (12 cells or less) or making a video (30 seconds; Windows Media Player). Entries will be evaluated based on scientific accuracy and concise and convincing imagery.

“It is so inspiring to see students across our state roll up their sleeves to solve issues around energy conservation, renewable energy and how we can support a clean energy transition that benefits everyone,” said Erik Robie, director of Customer Programs and Products at AVANGRID. “Our students are our future, and I am so proud that every year more and more students are engaged in the eesmarts Student Contest and looking to make meaningful change in our community.”

The winners of the contest will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card. A special virtual awards ceremony will be held in June to honor the finalists in all categories and grade levels.

For more information about the contest, visit eesmarts.com/contest.