2026 Environmental Service Award
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is accepting nominations for the EGLE Environmental Service Award.
This prestigious award honors two outstanding environmental projects:
- one completed by a middle school student or group (grades 6-8) and
- one by a high school student or group (grades 9-12).
Eligible projects demonstrate tangible results and benefits to Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources. Projects must also include an educational component that increases awareness around environmental issues facing Michigan. Projects may be completed by an individual student, a school class or club, or an extracurricular group (such as Scouts or 4-H), between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
Nominations should focus on one specific project that has been completed by the nominee(s). While we celebrate the many environmental efforts happening across Michigan, this award is intended to recognize a single, well-documented project that demonstrates environmental service and impact.
Award nominations must be submitted online by March 15, 2026, 11:59PM EST.
Two nominations will receive a cash prize of $500 and certificate of achievement, one for a middle school project (grades 6–8) and one for a high school project (grades 9-12). Award winners will be notified in early April of 2026. The winning projects will be highlighted on the EGLE Classroom Earth Day webpage and will be honored at the MI Student Sustainability Summit on May 8, 2026 - recipients are encouraged to attend.
If you have any questions, please email Samantha Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov.
Submit Your Nomination!
