Building Leadership Around Sustainable Transformation (BLAST)

You Can Help Solve Environmental Problems!

Calling all high school students!

There are many environmental problems to solve, but have you ever thought about creating those solutions yourself? 



What’s your idea? 


Submit an application to the BLAST competition - Building Leadership Around Sustainable Transformation. You can apply to compete as part of a fall 2023 cohort (Cohort 1) or winter/spring 2024 cohort (Cohort 2), culminating in the BLAST competition in April 2024. 


All participants will receive mentorship before the competition, with the option to continue after the competition. Not only will you get access to a mentor, but you will also have a chance to win funding and recognition at the Shark Tank-type competition. Any prize money can be used to help with project implementation and/or continuing your education. 


Click the Apply button to participate. You may submit your application as an individual or as a team. There is no limit on team size. 


Have questions or want more information? Contact info@sustainnaperville.org.


Presented by the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force (NEST) and  Accelerate Climate Solutions.

Additional information

Interested, but not quite ready to apply or want to learn more, click the button below.

Ready to apply, click the button below.

Become a BLAST Sponsor

Support future environmental leaders and receive recognition for you or your business. 

Sponsor levels and benefits:

Founding Sponsor - $5000: Table with promotional materials at the BLAST ceremony. Opportunity to speak at the beginning of the event. Mention in press release and a full page ad in the BLAST program book. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Oak Forest - $2500: Table with promotional materials at the BLAST ceremony. Recognition of your business at the beginning of the event. Mention in press release and a full page ad in the BLAST program book. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Oak Tree - $1000: Recognition of your business at the start of the BLAST ceremony. Half-page ad in the BLAST event program. Mention in press release. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Sapling - $500: Quarter page ad in the BLAST event program. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Acorn - $250: Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media, and you will be listed in the BLAST event program.

More Info for Students and Teachers

Presented by:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Founding Sponsor

Oak Forest Sponsors

Oak Tree Sponsors

Sapling Sponsors

Acorn Sponsors