The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a call for applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). This initiative, established under the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, aims to recognize outstanding environmental projects by students in Grades K-12 and educators who integrate environmental education into their curricula.
Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, emphasized the importance of these awards: “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.” He expressed anticipation for celebrating leaders whose contributions inspire hope.
The White House Council on Environmental Quality collaborates with the EPA in administering the PIAEE awards program. Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council, stated: “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.”
Applications are due by January 15, 2025. Eligible projects cover various topics such as agricultural practices, climate change, environmental justice, food waste management, lead in drinking water issues, recycling efforts, sustainability initiatives, STEM applications in environmental education, water infrastructure improvements, and water quality or litter concerns within waterways.
For PEYA awards, up to two winners may be selected from each of EPA's ten regions—one for Grades K-5 and another for Grades 6-12. Winning projects will be showcased on EPA’s website. Each student project must have an adult sponsor over age 21; if not a teacher themselves, a teacher must co-sponsor.
For PIAEE awards, up to two teachers from different states within each region may receive recognition. Awardees will receive a presidential plaque and up to $2,500 for professional development in environmental education. Their local education agencies can also receive up to $2,500 for funding related activities and programs.
Further details about eligibility and application processes are available on EPA’s PEYA and PIAEE web pages. Inquiries regarding youth awards can be directed to PEYA@epa.gov while questions about teacher awards should be sent to PIAEE@epa.gov.
