Guest post from PoE junior Sarah Kiner, who spent last summer working as an intern in Washington DC for SmartPower:

Do You Have What It Takes To Be America’s Next Eco-Star?

By Sarah Kiner

Imagine winning an all-expenses-paid trip to the summer 2012 Sustainable Futures Academy at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria AND a fellowship in the Washington, D.C., office of SmartPower!

These prizes might seem too good to be true, but SmartPower is looking for students just like us to win these prizes, as well as the title of America’s Next Eco-Star.

SmartPower is the nation’s leading clean energy and energy efficiency marketing firm, located in Washington, D.C. This past summer, I had the opportunity to be an intern at SmartPower, where I learned so much about the expanding field of renewable energy, while completing projects and attending hearings focused on the most pressing environmental issues of the time. The winner of America’s Next Eco-Star would have the same opportunity as I did, and I can say from experience that it’s worth competing for!

Now you may think from the title that this is some superficial contest like American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance. But unlike those other contests, the next Eco-Star is someone who has the capacity to be one of our nation’s future energy leaders and make a difference in the world.

In order to find the next Eco-Star, SmartPower is looking across the nation for students and young adults between the ages 16 and 26 who are taking action to improve the environment and our nation’s energy use, on and off campus.

It’s easy to apply for the title — all you have to do is convey to SmartPower that you are committed to sustainability and energy efficiency by submitting a resume, story, photos or videos.  

We have to show America why The Sierra Club crowned the University of Washington “America’s Coolest School.”  If someone from UW becomes America’s Next Eco-Star, we will receive $1,000 dollars towards our sustainability efforts andnational recognition!

So go to http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/139814 to learn more about the contest and nominate yourself or other UW students today!

Lets bring home the title and make the rest of America “bow down to Washington” yet again!