Youth Energy Conference and Awards, Sponsors & Signature Programs

2025 Event Dates
Friday, June 27 – Monday, June 30

Participation Requirements
Schools or families must submit a Youth Awards Signature Project to participate in the Youth Energy Conference and Awards Program. Submissions are due April 15th each year. Participants must be part of an eligible project. A lead teacher or parent may be designated by the Project Advisor listed on the Youth Awards project. The lead teacher or parent will act as the main point of contact before and during the Youth Energy Conference and Awards Program and make all decisions on behalf of the group.

Learn more about submitting a Youth Awards Project at https://youthawards.need.org/.

2025 AGENDA

2025 Agenda is in the works! You may view the 2024 Agenda (PDF Format) for an idea of how the event typically runs.

REGISTRATION

Teacher Response Form – Due May 13, 2024
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 24th

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

2024 Registration Includes*

All sessions and conference events
Lodging at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Saturday, June 22^nd – Tuesday, June 25^th, with the opportunity to extend your stay for additional touring time
Transportation to/from Reagan National Airport
Meals including Saturday Dinner; Sunday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner; Monday Breakfast; Tuesday Breakfast
Old Towne Trolley Tour of Washington D.C.
Spirit of Washington 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 – Cost is per Conference Attendee

Single Occupancy Registration

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

$945

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

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

All registration fees are due to The NEED Project by June 10, 2024.

Cancellation Policy

On or before June 10, 2024 100% refund less $75 administrative fee

After June 10, 2024 No Refund

Extended Stay:
Hotel reservations can be extended. NEED’s conference rate for lodging (one night before and one night after) is $189 plus tax for single/double occupancy and $214 plus tax for triple/quad occupancy.

Things To Do in DC

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! We are working on the 2025 Things To Do in DC and will update closer to the event date. In the meantime, you’re welcome to preview the 2024 list which will be similar.

2024 Things to Do in DC

2025 Youth Staff Application

Youth Staff applications are due by December 15th each year.

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.

View the application outline here. Ready to apply? Click here!