Exciting news for students, teachers, and schools committed to protecting our planet! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Both applications are due Monday, December 1, 2025, offering a meaningful opportunity to celebrate environmental leadership at a national level.
As the nation looks ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, EPA is honoring the young innovators and dedicated educators who are shaping a more sustainable future. This year’s theme aligns with EPA’s focus on Powering the Great American Comeback, highlighting those who take action to protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and inspire lasting environmental stewardship.
Created under the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, these awards recognize two important groups:
President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA)
Honoring K–12 students who complete outstanding environmental
projects that protect, restore, or improve the environment. These student-led projects may benefit local neighborhoods, schools, or entire communities.
Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE)
Celebrating K–12 educators who use environmental and outdoor learning to inspire curiosity, service, and real-world problem solving. These teachers integrate environmental education into their classrooms in creative and impactful ways.
Applicants are encouraged to focus their projects or instructional work on one or more of the following priority areas:
Agricultural practices
Artificial intelligence
Food waste reduction
Recycling
School gardens or community green spaces
Water infrastructure
Water quality or litter cleanup
Science, data analysis, or other innovative environmental approaches
Whether it’s a recycling initiative, a community water-quality study, a garden redesign, or an AI-powered environmental solution, the EPA wants to highlight projects and educators that make a difference.
Students and teachers who are passionate about environmental problem-solving and community impact are strongly encouraged to apply. Awardees will receive national recognition—and the chance to serve as examples of how environmental stewardship can drive American greatness for generations to come.
For applications and eligibility details, visit EPA’s PEYA and PIAEE program pages. Let’s celebrate and support the students and educators leading the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future!