2017 Student Environmental Challenge

Registration is now closed, event information will remain available below. Good luck to all participants!

Calling all undergraduate students!  We would like to invite you to participate in the eighth annual Student Environmental Challenge, which is being held in conjunction with the Conference on the Environment (COE). The COE, to be held on November 8, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is an annual conference jointly sponsored by two of the leading regional organizations of environmental professionals: the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) – Upper Midwest Section, and; the Central States Water Environment Association – Minnesota Section (link is external).  

The Environmental Challenge is an opportunity for students to network with over 120 section members and exhibitors, to work to solve a complex environmental problem that is typical of those facing environmental professionals today, and to earn a cash award (top 3 teams) for the best delivery of a problem solution.

To participate, you should take the following steps:

1. Review the attached Protocol which explains the procedures for participating in the Environmental Challenge.
2. Review the attached Problem and begin formulating a written proposal, table-top presentation, and formal presentation.
3. Email your team’s Intent to Participate (include your school name and contact name to receive Environmental Challenge updates) to Eric Miller no later than October 13, 2017.
4. Register for the conference! Early bird registration is $25 for Students, and ends October 19th. Student also registration includes a one-year membership to either A&WMA or CSWEA!
5. (Optional) There will be an additional student opportunity for networking at the COE: the Student/YP Mentor Program, which will kick off with a breakfast networking event in the morning before the main conference. See the event page for registration details.