NEW BRITAIN — On Tuesday, January 6, Energize Connecticut Sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), announced that registration is open for the 21st annual eesmarts Student Contest.

Through the eesmarts Student Contest, K-12 students are encouraged to discover how energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable solutions can impact our world through grade-level-appropriate prompts.

Student prompts for grades K-8 include a poster (grades K-2), limericks (grade 3), an outdoor billboard (grade 4), a fictional story with an energy-saving character (grade 5), a persuasive letter (grade 6), a comic strip (grade 7), or a 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 a cartoon strip (12 cells or less) that advocates for an energy-saving or sustainability topic. Entries will be evaluated based on scientific validity and concise and convincing imagery.

All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects will be accepted.

Contest registration is open until Friday, March 20, and project submissions are due on Friday, March 27.

Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at a special awards ceremony to be held in May at Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Winners will receive a certificate and a gift card.

Energize Connecticut is an initiative of the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, UI, SCG, and CNG that aims to help people save money and use clean energy.

Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency Stephen Bruno said that for two decades, the eesmarts Student Contest has underscored the sponsors’ commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and driving progress toward a clean energy future.

He added, “We’re proud to champion initiatives like this that are equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions that advance sustainability and energy efficiency.”

Marissa Westbrook, senior manager of conservation and load management at UI, SCG, and CNG, said students throughout Connecticut show them that the smallest energy-saving ideas can spark meaningful change every year, whether it be through art, writing, or hands-on projects.

“Their ingenuity and problem-solving skills displayed through their projects remind us that building an energy-conscious future starts with simple positive energy habits at a young age — and a willingness to imagine what’s possible,” Westbrook said. “I have no doubt that this year will be the same and am excited to see all the students’ inventive ideas.”

For more information about the contest, visit energizect.com/student-contest.