Igniting Creative Energy

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	Challenge to Students \| Incentives \| Rules of Eligibility \| Entry Submission \| Judging Criteria and Awards Information

The Challenge to students is simple:

Step 1 - Learn how an individual's own wise energy choices and environmental stewardship can help reduce energy consumption and improve the community in which we live.
Step 2 - Ignite your creative energy to explore new and creative ways to make a difference in the way you use energy.
Step 3 - Use your creative talents to communicate your energy ideas and actions to others.

Click here for the official Igniting Creative Energy brochure.
Click here for a printer friendly version of the Guidelines page

The most creative and deserving student work, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be published.

A list of winners will be posted in the Winners Gallery area.
A total of 4 Grand Prizes will be awarded to 3 students and 1 teacher.
- Three students (one in each grade cluster) whose work best exemplifies the Challenge Criteria will receive a hosted trip to Hawaii for 2 (each student-winner and one parent/legal guardian), March 26-30, 2008. While in Hawaii, winners will be hosted by the Challenge administrators and enjoy many fun and educational activities. Winners will also be invited to participate in the National Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 10-11, 2008, where they will share their ideas with energy and government leaders.
- The teacher with the highest average score of their top 15 entries when submitting 15 or more qualified student entries (entries earning 25 or more points each based on the Challenge Criteria) will also receive a fabulous Hawaiian trip for 2 (the teacher and one family member) for the same fun and educational experience. The teacher winner will also be invited to participate in the National Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 12-13, 2007, where she/he will share hers/his ideas with energy and government leaders.

No purchase necessary. This is a competition of skill.
The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada. Void in Quebec.
Entries must be submitted individually with the exception of group projects.
Group projects may be submitted, however each individual in the group must submit his/her own entry form and written explanation and will be judged independently. All prizes will be awarded to individuals.
Entries must relate to the theme "Igniting Creative Energy".
Entries must be the student's original work.
Entries must be complete, legible and include required signatures.
Students may enter multiple projects in any creative form within the following limits:
- Documentation or written entries (500 words or 3 page limit).
- Audio or Music (3 minute limit).
- Media or electronic (10 minute limit). Videos in VHS or DVD format only.
All entries must include a written explanation (not to exceed one page) describing how the entry relates to the theme. (see judging criteria below)
Entries must be accompanied by the official Igniting Creative Energy entry form (click here).
Entry forms must include signatures of the student and parent or legal guardian.
Employees of Johnson Controls, Inc., Philips, the National Energy Foundation, and the United States Energy Association and their immediate families, household members and dependents may participate, but are not eligible for prizes.
The Challenge is open to all students K-12, however only students enrolled in accredited public and private schools are
eligible for the grand prize.

View Entry Form here.

Mail entries to:: IGNITING CREATIVE ENERGY
NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
145 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

All entries, including entry form and explanation must be postmarked on or before January 31, 2008

Entries will be divided into grade clusters and evaluated by a panel of judges. The panel of judges will be comprised of independent educators, energy professionals, and selected experts.
Grade clusters include; K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Judging criteria will be based on a point system. A total of 60 points will be awarded, as follows:

1. Entry represents orginal and creative work.
    (20 point value)

2. Entry demonstrates theme, by illustrating wise energy choices, environmental stewardship and, where approprate, factual accuracy
    (20 point value)

3. Completion of written explanation (limit one page)
    (20 point value)

Submission must include original project, official entry form and written explanation.

The travel prize winner in each grade cluster will be the entry with the highest number of points. Criteria for publication will also be based on points awarded, with representation from each grade cluster proportionate to entries submitted. In case of any ties, judges will reevaluate and choose final winners based upon the judging criteria. If, for any reason, a travel prize winner is unable to participate in the award trip, the alternate winners will be chosen on the same basis.

All judging decisions will be final.

For a brief video that describes the details click on the link below:

Windows Users
Mac Users - larger file (If you have Window Media Player click on the 'Windows Users' link above)

Travel prize winners will be notified on or about March 6, 2008. Student winners and their parents / guardians and the winning teacher and companion must complete and return the affidavit of eligibility and mutually acceptable release of liability within three business days of notification, or alternate winners will be selected.
Prize winners and entries chosen for publication will be announced on or about April 1, 2008, and posted on this site or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address listed above.

Travel prizes: Restrictions apply. Each trip award provides two round trip airfares from airport near winner’s home, as selected by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Trip also includes four nights lodging in Hawaii on March 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2008, as well as one night lodging in Washington, D.C., on June 10, 2008, as selected by Sponsors in their sole discretion, plus tour tickets, also selected by the Sponsors, a per diem meal amount and elements of the ground transportation. All additional costs, including any tax liability, are the sole responsibility of the winner and parent/legal guardian. Travelers are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including passport, if necessary. Tickets are not exchangeable or redeemable for cash; are subject to terms and conditions of use as stated thereon; and are not to be combined with any other offer. Travel and lodging must be taken on dates specified by Sponsor.

Past grand prize winners are encouraged to enter the competition and are eligible to receive recognition and publication for their entry: however, if the entry of a past grand prize winner is selected as a winner in a consecutive year, such entrant shall receive a $1,000 savings bond in lieu of the grand prize trip. In such an event, the grade cluster second place winner shall receive the grand prize trip.

No substitutions, no transfers, no cash-value awards.

All entries and all rights thereto become the property of the Sponsors and will not be returned. The Sponsors expressly acquire and claim the original, North American rights to reproduce and publish entries as selected by the judges, in ways they deem appropriate (i.e. recognition, publications, promotions and web sites), the consideration for which will be the publicity provided to the entrant through same. Entry forms must be complete and must be signed by the student, parent or legal guardian.

Entry constitutes acceptance of all rules and consent to the use of winner’s name, biographical data and likeness for advertising, promotion or marketing purposes, as permitted by law, without additional compensation.

Odds of winning depend on the number and quality of entries received.

Sponsors are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete or illegible entries or notifications. Johnson Controls Inc., Philips, the National Energy Foundation, and the United States Energy Association shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, costs, or expense arising directly or indirectly in connection with this challenge or prize. Except as noted, all expenses associated with the prize, including taxes, fees, licenses, title costs, registrations and insurance, are the sole responsibility of the prize recipients and their parents or legal guardians.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, suspend or modify this competition should causes beyond its control prevent the successful administration, winner selection or prize award.

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.

The Challenge is a partnership program developed by Johnson Controls Inc. and the National Energy Foundation. Johnson Controls funds the challenge through an educational grant with additional support from Philips the United States Energy Association and the National Energy Foundation.