High School Big Idea Essay Competition

2026 High School Big Idea Essay Competition

2026 Essay Question

Powering the Future: Pennsylvania’s Role in America’s Energy Transformation

The demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is growing faster than ever. As communities seek new ways to power homes and businesses, Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to shape the future of world-wide energy production and innovation. 

In your Big Idea Essay submission, please identify an opportunity or challenge related to energy and how responding to it will impact our way of life. Explain how we respond to that opportunity or challenge and what success would look like. Finally, describe how this would impact you personally.

Please cite all references including use of any AI platforms.