Solar and Storage Industries Institute Announces the National Solar Essay Contest for High School Students

September 13, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAS VEGAS, NV — Today, the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) announced the launch of a national solar-focused essay contest for high school students in the 9^th through 12^th grades.

As the U.S. solar industry continues to see widespread growth into the future, the next generation of the clean energy workforce is vital to maintaining that growth. Shine Bright: A Solar Essay Contest for High School Students, created by SI2, will give high school students across the country an opportunity to write a comprehensive solar-focused essay showcasing their knowledge and passion about solar energy.

“I continue to be inspired by the next generation’s interest in clean energy and passion for moving away from fossil fuels,” said David Gahl, executive director for the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2). “Shine Bright is a wonderful opportunity for students across the country to show their interest in clean energy and have the opportunity to meet with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C. “

To enter the contest, students will submit a 500-word essay on a solar-focused topic, complemented by a 2–4-minute video. A panel of representatives from prominent solar companies and industry experts will evaluate entries based on three categories: “Most Creative Video,” “Most Persuasive Essay,” and “Best Overall Video and Essay.”

“Youth have an intrinsic ability to envision a world not as it is, but as it could be,” said Sarah Conley-Ballew, assistant director of the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2). “Elevating their ideas around renewable energy is not just an investment in them, but a commitment to a brighter future for us all. This contest is a platform for their potential and a testament to the transformative power they hold.”

The winner will be invited to Washington, D.C. to receive their award and meet their Congressperson. Additionally, they will receive a cash prize and have their winning entry featured on the SI2 and Solar Energy Industries Association websites and social media channels.

For more information on the National Solar Essay Contest for High School Students, click here.

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About the Solar and Storage Industries Institute:

The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) is accelerating the transition to carbon-free electricity through clean energy research and analysis. SI2 aims to use policy research, public education initiatives, and direct outreach to policymakers to explain the benefits of clean energy and develop pathways to widespread solar and storage use. SI2 is the charitable and education arm of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. For more information, visit www.ssii.org and follow SI2 on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.