Applications are being accepted for the 2018 President’s Environmental Youth Award, also known as PEYA.

Los Angeles resident Ayanna Neal, a PEYA winner in last year’s contest, was recently recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Neal founded the environmental nonprofit Friends of the LAX Dunes to protect and restore coastal habitat owned by the Los Angeles Airport. (photo courtesy of the U.S. EPA, Los Angeles)

Since 1971, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized young people for protecting the nation’s air, water, land and ecology. Each year, the PEYA program honors projects developed by K-12th grade students, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups and youth organizations that promote environmental awareness. Through environmental education and stewardship activities, students develop critical thinking skills enabling them to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to address environmental issues.

Winners will be invited to a mid-2019 ceremony in Washington, D.C., and their projects will be recognized on EPA’s website. Representatives of the EPA will select up to two winners in 10 nationwide regions, including one regional winner for grades K-5 and one regional winner for grades 6-12 in each area. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over 21. Applications are due by Feb. 1, 2019.

For applications and eligibility information, visit epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award, or email peya@epa.gov.