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?

If you love coding, you could create an app to help people answer that daily question: Is this recyclable?
If you enjoy being outdoors, you could plant a garden to replace an unused patch of turfgrass.
If you like talking to people, you could knock on doors and hand out energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

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

Any high school student can participate (including homeschool, as long as you are currently taking high school courses)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
You are required to attend a minimum of 2 meetings with your mentor
You must attend a mandatory orientation event in October 2023 for Cohort 1 and January 2024 for Cohort 2
Mini-pitch: Cohort 1 - December 2023; Cohort 2 - April 2024
Final BLAST pitch at City Council Chambers in April 2024

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

Interest Form

Ready to apply, click the button below.

Apply

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.

Donate to BLAST

Sponsorship Flyer