The Energy and Food Sovereignty Nexus Prize encourages Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to develop student-led demonstration projects that increase their knowledge on clean energy and food sovereignty on TCUs lands. Projects may include but are not limited to:
TCUs are encouraged to incorporate local traditional crops and/or livestock into their designs, as well as relevant clean energy systems to ensure food is sustainably grown for their environments. Students’ valuable exposure and hands-on experience in energy and food sovereignty can then be shared to benefit Tribes.
A Program Structured for Engagement
This prize is intended to build the capacity of TCU students to use clean energy to grow food self-sufficiently with sources on Tribal lands. One student team from each of the 35 TCUs is eligible to apply and will be recognized for their work.
The first phase of the prize will award up to 30 winners from the 35 eligible TCUs. Each winning Phase 1 team will receive a $40,000 cash award, which includes a $10,000 travel allowance to travel and present at the 2025 Indian Energy Program Review in Denver, Colorado. At the event, teams will share their learnings in a poster session, learn from other Tribes which are pursuing energy self-sufficiency, and share in each other's successes.
More Than $4 Million in Incentives
The Energy and Food Sovereignty Nexus Prize consists of three phases in which student teams will assemble, plan, construct, and showcase their projects to earn funding that will go directly to their TCU. In addition to the cash prizes outlined below, teams will have access to Power Connectors—organizations that can provide complimentary support and guidance throughout the prize—as teams plan and construct their projects.
Phase 1: Teaming
Up to 30 winners | $40,000 cash prize to each winning TCU: includes funds for expected travel to the 2025 Indian Energy Program Review in Denver
Build a team and summarize your project.
Phase 2A: Planning and Permitting
Up to 20 winners | $75,000 cash prize to each winning TCU
Create a detailed project plan.
Phase 2B: Construction
Up to 20 winners | $60,000 cash prize to each winning TCU
Construct your project.
Phase 3: Presentations and Awards
First place: $75,000 | Second place: $50,000 | Third place: $35,000 | Up to 4 Honorable Mention prizes: $10,000 each
Attend and speak at the 2025 Indian Energy Program Review.
Follow this prize by clicking the “Follow” button at the top right of this page to receive updates and start forming your team today.
Stay tuned for the official prize launch and publication of Phase 1 rules in fall 2024.
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