Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- Who can participate in the Challenge?
Any public high school (or high school youth group) in Massachusetts can apply. Teams must consist of 2–6 students in grades 9–12 and must be supported by a faculty advisor. Community organized teams may also apply and must have an adult advisor. - Can more than one team from a single school participate?
A school can have more than one team, but each school is limited to only one $500 seed grant. - How do schools or groups apply?
Schools will receive outreach materials in Fall 2026. Interested schools must submit their application by October 16, 2026 via this link. Participation is limited to 15 schools per region (Western MA, Central MA/Metrowest, and Eastern MA/North Shore) and schools/groups will be selected through the application process. - What is the time commitment for students?
The Challenge runs for nine months, from September 2026 through May 2027. Students should plan to spend about 2–3 hours per week outside of school hours, with the most active outreach and campaign work happening January through April 2027. - What is the time commitment for advisors?
Faculty advisors serve as the school's main point of contact and guide their team throughout the program. Advisors spend approximately 1 hour per week in addition to attending informational webinars and periodic check in meetings. Advisors are strongly encouraged to attend the MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference in April along with their teams, as well as the final Awards Night in May. - What support does MassEnergize provide?
MassEnergize will provide webinars, toolkits, coaching, regular check-ins, and connections with local sustainability groups. Each participating school will receive a $500 seed grant to support campaign costs. - What types of projects can students create?
Teams design outreach campaigns promoting clean energy solutions such as solar, heat pumps, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, or other innovative clean energy solutions. Campaigns can include social media, community events, videos, or other creative methods. - Can teams focus on another topic that is not related to energy, such as composting?
While we recognize that there are many climate solutions, this Challenge is limited to energy related projects because of the high impact that energy choices have on climate warming emissions. - Can teams use an existing project that is already being implemented at school?
If the existing project is focused on clean energy, then yes. However, the Challenge requires engaging members of the community beyond the school. A clean energy project that is just for the school (such as solar panels on the school building) is not sufficient for a Challenge project. - How are teams evaluated?
Teams are judged on four equally-weighted criteria: Creativity (25%), Measurable Impact (25%), Community Reach (25%), and Quality & Execution (25%). The full rubric is shared directly with accepted teams. - What are the prizes?
The top three teams from each of the 3 regions will receive awards of $1000, $750, and $500, given to their school to promote sustainability causes. - Why is the Challenge focused on clean energy?
Clean energy is one of the most effective solutions to climate change. By promoting clean energy choices students help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while gaining valuable experience in a rapidly growing career sector. - How does this program support career development?
Students will gain hands-on experience in project management, communications, and clean energy technologies while engaging with professionals in the field. This exposure introduces participants to potential career pathways in the climate and clean energy sectors. - Do teams have to attend the Community Climate Leaders Conference in April?
Attending the conference is not a requirement, however it is highly encouraged. Students have the opportunity to present a poster session to a live audience where they get practical experience in public speaking and receive valuable feedback on their projects. - When and where is the Awards ceremony?
Each region will host their own Climate Solutions Challenge Awards Night. These will take place in May 2027. Dates and locations TBD. - Who should attend the awards ceremony?
All participating teams, advisors, school administrators, community partners, and families are invited to celebrate student achievements. - Our school is grades 6-12. Can students below grade 9 participate as well?
Yes, middle school students who attend the same school as high school students are welcome to participate. - Our faculty are too busy to support the Challenge. Can a member of the community be the faculty advisor outside of the school?
Yes, as long as the students attend a public high school and the team has the support of the school, a parent or community member can play the role of faculty advisor. - Is the video project required?
Yes — teams are supported to create a short project video alongside their poster and final digital portfolio. - Is the Challenge for Massachusetts only?
Yes — for now. We intend to expand as funding allows. - What’s the difference between the registration form and the application form?
The registration form lets us know you’re interested in the Challenge and would like to receive information about info sessions, deadlines, and other updates. It’s not a commitment to participate and is a good option if you’re still exploring the Challenge.
The application form is the official submission for your school or team to participate in the Youth Climate Solutions Challenge. Applications are due by October 16, 2026, after which participating schools and teams will be selected.
- Who can participate in the Challenge?
Still have questions? Contact us at: youthchallenge@massenergize.org