Energizing Student Potential – Illinois/Indiana

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Energizing Student Potential – Illinois/Indiana

What Is the Energizing Student Potential Program?

Energizing Student Potential (ESP) is a free, STEM-focused energy education program for grades 3–12 that brings hands-on, standards-based energy learning to classrooms, clubs, and out-of-school-time programs.

Through ESP, educators receive the training, curriculum, hands-on materials, and resources needed to engage students in exploring energy sources, electricity, climate science, energy efficiency and conservation, and energy careers.

Students put their learning into action through opportunities such as energy audits, STEM challenges, energy fairs, career connections, and community outreach. Built around NEED’s Kids Teaching Kids philosophy, ESP encourages students to explore, problem-solve, collaborate, and share what they learn with their peers and communities.

ESP is offered in partnership with ComEd, the Exelon Foundation, bp, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, and The NEED Project.

Join us and energize your students with hands-on STEM learning!

Students in a school hallwayStudents reading from notecards into a microphone on stage

View photos of this program in action at ESP IL/IN SmugMug Photo Gallery

2026-2027 Program Year

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year.

See if your school is eligible! View the eligible counties list here.

2026-2027 Program Offerings

  • Teacher Training Workshops on a variety of energy topics, including the Science of Energy, Forms and Transformations, Energy Sources, Electricity, Transportation, Climate Science, and Energy Efficiency. Substitute reimbursement is available for weekday workshops, with stipends offered for Saturday workshops.
  • Hands-on Energy Kits and Classroom Curriculum selected by participating teachers and valued at more than $1,000, providing hands-on resources for immediate classroom use.
  • Mini-Grant of up to $400, available through an application process, to support additional ESP supplies, activities, or classroom resources.
  • Energy/STEM Fair Support, including an ESP Energy Fair Box and a $200 Amazon e-gift card to help students host a school or community STEM/Energy Fair and share what they’ve learned.
  • Direct-to-Student Resources covering topics such as electricity, solar, wind, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy, along with energy videos, virtual tours, and more.
  • Educational Energy Audit, a unique hands-on opportunity led by a Certified Energy Manager that allows students to explore energy efficiency and conservation while using real-world audit tools to evaluate their school building and identify ways to save energy.
  • Energy Professional Connections with opportunities to request partner company volunteers to speak with students about energy topics, real-world applications, and energy careers.
  • Energy Innovation Challenge, giving students an opportunity to put their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills into action.

 

ESP IL/IN Program Resources

 

Links to sign up for the optional available opportunities:

 

Additional Curriculum Resources:

NEED Curriculum Guides - Science of Energy, Solar, Wind, Oil and Natural Gas, Nuclear, Energy Management, and MORE!
Energy Information Administration, Illinois Data
Additional Resources and Links from Partners & Sponsors
Evaluation and Assessment
NGSS Correlation and Support

 

Questions about the program? Email info@need.org