BACKGROUND
The NEED Project recognizes student leadership by awarding the Youth Energy Leadership Award each year to up to two students who have demonstrated outstanding energy leadership, knowledge, and an interest in continuing their energy studies for the purpose of seeking a career in energy, STEM, or education. Each year, at least one award will be given to a student who plans to enter the energy field or public service related to energy. Select award winners will receive a $1,500 check for use for college, university or technical school tuition and expenses.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
This award is designed to honor students demonstrating effective leadership skills and energy knowledge throughout their association with NEED.
The following are examples of traits the award committee will consider as it chooses recipients of the awards:
- An effective leader who leads by example and is well respected by his or her peers.
- An encouraging facilitator who serves as a team leader.
- A leader who creates excitement and motivates others to accomplish great things.
- A leader who demonstrates energy awareness at home, school and in the community and educates others about energy.
- A student who is knowledgeable about energy and has taken the time to not only be a leader of energy activities but has developed a knowledge base about energy and important energy issues.
- Graduating high school seniors or current first or second year college, university or technical school students.
- A student showing interest in pursuing a career in the energy, STEM or education field.
2025 NEED Leadership Award
Please review the PDF application outline before proceeding online. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications are due by April 30, 2025. Any questions, please email info@need.org
2024 Youth Energy Leadership Award
NEED congratulates Vick Mahindru and Laura Sofía Pardo Arévalo on receiving the 2024 Youth Energy Leadership Award!
Each will receive $1,500 to pursue their education goals.
Vick Mahindru
Laura Sofía Pardo Arévalo
Past Youth Leadership Award Winners:
1994 Doug Blemker
1995 Josh Rising
1996 Judith Elekes
1997 Matt Steele & Tiffany Bonner
1998 Emily Thomas
1999 Heather Brouillet
2000 Heidi Nees
2001 Rebecca Lamb
2002 Justin Paschall
2003 Brian Bosso & Mary Mazarolli
2004 Megan Thoma & David Graham
2005 Jennifer Robinson, Caterina Spaziano, & Chrissy Edwards
2006 Roxie Brown & Michelle Lamb
2007 Whitney Newman & Jake Kesner
2008 Ryan Flynn
2009 Casey O’Connor
2010 Erin Shoaf
2011 Rachael Spencer & Amanda Ramirez Sebree
2012 Alysha Anderson
2013 Brooke Reagan
2014 Ian Munn & Amber Lipsky
2015 Janelli Pineda
2016 Alton Gayton & Laurel Hughes
2017 Diane Wei
2018 Erin Baer & Edmond Gayton
2019 Aidan Kotoski & Jennifer Wei
2020 Mariam Conde, Erin Keene, Patrick Keene, Chira Noce, & Chloe Weiss
2021 Grace Beatty, Jayden Chan, Colleen Keene, Teegan Mathey
2022 Carolyn Lee