All NEED schools have outstanding classroom-based programs in which students learn about energy. Some schools have student leaders who extend these activities into their communities. To recognize outstanding achievement and reward student leadership, The NEED Project conducts the National Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement.

This program combines academic competition with recognition to acknowledge everyone involved in NEED during the year - and to recognize those who achieve excellence in energy education in their schools and communities. The students and teachers set goals and objectives, and keep a record of their activities. In April, the students combine their materials into scrapbooks and send them to their state coordinators. The students themselves write summaries of their projects for inclusion in the Annual Report.

The 2012 Youth Awards National Recognition Ceremonies registration fee of $550.00 covers double occupancy lodging at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, Sunday breakfast and dinner, and Monday breakfast. It also includes all tour - DC Tours bus and Metro - passes and the Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise. Some sponsorships are available on a regional basis.