The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Announced by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, these awards aim to honor students and educators who contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and awareness.
Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of recognizing those making a difference in their communities: "Our commitment to promote stewardship and safeguard the environment requires innovative climate action and dedication to environmental justice. At EPA, we seek to recognize the students and teachers whose work will have a lasting impact on their communities."
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, also highlighted the significance of these awards: “In the face of climate change, environmental education is critical to fostering tomorrow’s leaders who will advance innovative climate solutions and help protect our environment for generations to come.”
The PEYA awards focus on student projects from Grades K-12 that enhance environmental awareness and community involvement. The PIAEE awards recognize K-12 educators who integrate environmental education into their teaching practices. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.
Eligible projects may address topics such as agricultural practices, climate change, environmental justice, food waste, lead in drinking water, recycling, sustainability using STEM in education, water infrastructure, and water quality or litter within waterways.
For PEYA, up to two winners per region may be selected—one for Grades K-5 and one for Grades 6-12—with winning projects featured on EPA's website. Each project must have an adult sponsor over 21 years old; if not a teacher themselves, they must co-sponsor with one.
PIAEE can award up to two teachers from different states in each region. Recipients receive a presidential plaque and up to $2,500 for professional development in environmental education. Their local education agencies also receive up to $2,500 for related activities.
Further details about eligibility are available on EPA's respective pages for PEYA and PIAEE awards.
For inquiries regarding youth awards (PEYA), contact PEYA@epa.gov; for teacher awards (PIAEE), contact PIAEE@epa.gov.
