2026 Event Dates
Friday, June 26 – Monday, June 29

Participation Requirements

Schools, homeschool groups, scouting organizations, and 4-H clubs must submit a Youth Awards Signature Project in order to participate in the Youth Energy Conference & Awards Program. All project submissions are due April 15 each year. Students must be part of an approved project to attend.

Each group must designate a lead teacher or chaperone, as identified by the Project Advisor listed on the Youth Awards submission. The designated lead teacher or chaperone will serve as the primary point of contact before and during the Youth Energy Conference & Awards Conference and will make all decisions on behalf of the group.

View past winning projects, garner inspiration, and learn more about submitting a Youth Awards Project at https://youthawards.need.org/.

2026 AGENDA

REGISTRATION

Things To Do in DC

Youth Staff Application

2026 Tentative Agenda (PDF)

Teacher Response Form – Due May 15, 2026
Once you complete this form, we will send you the registration links for your attendees. We recommend completing this form ASAP!

Attendee registration deadline: May 22, 2026

Please email Francine Martin (fmartin@need.org) with any questions about registration or call the NEED Office at 1-800-875-5029.

2026 Registration Includes*

All sessions and conference events
Lodging at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Friday, June 26 – Monday, June 29, with the opportunity to extend your stay for additional touring time
Transportation to/from Reagan National Airport
Meals including Friday Dinner; Saturday Breakfast, Sunday Breakfast & Dinner; Monday Breakfast
Old Towne Trolley Tour of Washington D.C.
Spirit of Washington Sunday Dinner Cruise on the Potomac River
T-shirt
Certificate of Recognition
Fun Giveaways and Swag!
Chances to win prizes throughout the event!
All supplies for the Energy Challenge

*We are unable to offer a la carte options.

Registration Options – NOTE: Cost is Per Conference Attendee

Single Occupancy Registration

Attendee will have an individual hotel room. Teachers/Group Leader will provide roomlist to NEED.

$945/
per person

Double Occupancy Registration

Two people sharing one hotel room. Both occupants MUST be registered for the conference. NEED will not pair individuals. Teachers/Group Leader will provide roomlist to NEED.

$640/
per person

Triple/Quad Occupancy Registration

Three/four people sharing one hotel room. All occupants MUST be registered for the conference. NEED will not pair individuals. Teachers/Group Leader will provide roomlist to NEED.

$550/
per person

All registration fees are due to The NEED Project by June 8, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

On or before June 8, 2026 100% refund (less $75 administrative fee)

After June 8, 2026 No Refund

Extended Stay:
Standard arrival and departure dates for the conference are Friday, June 26 and Monday, June 29. If you plan to arrive one day early and/or depart one day after the conference, the current hotel rate is $172 per night plus applicable taxes and fees. Participants wishing to extend their stay should indicate their requested dates on the registration form so they may receive the Extended Stay Form to complete.
Please note that extended stay room reservations are billed directly by the hotel and not through NEED. Availability for additional nights may be limited, so be sure to submit your registration form by the May 22, 2026 deadline.

Looking for ways to help fund your student group’s participation? Past attendees have shared how they successfully secured funding, and we’ve compiled their ideas into a Fundraising Tips PDF.

Each year, NEED compiles a list of the best places to visit and eat while you enjoy touring/free time during the Youth Energy Conference & Awards! View the 2026 Things to Do in DC (PDF).

2026 Youth Staff applications deadline has passed (January 15, 2026). The 2027 Youth Staff application will be available July 1, 2026.

Candidates must:
1. Actively participate in the planning and implementation of NEED workshops, in-services, conferences or programs and be involved in NEED in the classroom or in afterschool programs.
2. Have an interest in science and energy and a willingness to work hard, learn, and work within a team of highly qualified students and adult mentors.
3. Be at least age 13 at the time the Youth Awards Program is hosted in Washington, D.C. (by June of the event year)
4. Be able and willing to travel from to and from Washington D.C. unaccompanied via airplane or train. Although we encourage parent involvement with the NEED Program, the ability to function without parental supervision is a key element in the successful development of leadership skills as part of NEED. Students whom parents deem too young or immature to travel and participate alone, should delay application until such time they are able to attend, participate, and travel without supervision.
5. Represent NEED with professionalism, honesty, and commitment.

Become a Youth Energy Conference & Awards Sponsor

For more than 45 years, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project has empowered students to lead the conversation about energy in their schools and communities. The Youth Energy Conference & Awards celebrates and recognizes outstanding student leadership, innovation, and achievement in energy education from across the nation—and beyond.

We welcome sponsorship support from businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals who share our passion for energy and STEM education and awarding student leadership.

View the 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities. Email info@need.org with any questions.