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Graduating high school seniors or current first or second year college, university, or technical students
2022 NEED Leadership Award Application

The NEED Project recognizes student leadership by awarding the Youth Energy Leadership Award to up to two students each year.

The $1,500 awards will be granted for use for college, university or technical school tuition and expenses to deserving students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, knowledge, and an interest in continuing their studies in STEM, energy, or education fields.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30, 2022
2022 Youth Energy Conference & Awards Staff
In 2022, NEED will host the 42nd Annual

June 25 - 28, 2022
Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA


The conference and awards combine academic competition with recognition to acknowledge everyone involved in NEED during the year – and to recognize those who excel in energy education in their schools and communities.

The NEED Project emphasizes the “Kids Teaching Kids” approach to energy education. Each year, NEED calls on student leaders from across the United States to staff the Youth Awards Program.

Students that serve on the Youth Awards staff arrive one day prior to the conference and depart the day after. The Youth Awards Staff should have exceptional leadership skills, be knowledgeable about energy, and be willing to work hard to make the program a success.

Candidates must:

  • Actively participate in the planning and implementation of NEED workshops, in-services, conferences or programs and be involved in NEED in the classroom or in afterschool programs.

  • Have an interest in science and energy and a willingness to work hard, learn, and work within a team of highly qualified students and adult mentors.

  • Be at least age 13 at the time the Youth Awards Program is hosted in Washington, D.C. (by June 2022)

  • Be able and willing to travel from to and from Washington D.C. unaccompanied via airplane or train. Although we encourage parent involvement with the NEED Program, the ability to function without parental supervision is a key element in the successful development of leadership skills as part of NEED.


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Applications for Youth Staff are due by December 15, 2021