:: QUESTIONS

What if the environmental project was led by more than one person?

The Brower Youth Awards is an ongoing leadership development program and we only accept applications from individuals.  In cases where no one individual was clearly the leader of a successful project, the leadership group should select a spokesperson to represent the project as an applicant.  The application will be evaluated based on the spokesperson’s leadership abilities as well as the positive impact of the project.

What if two people apply from the same project?

Although it is not impossible that two winners will be chosen from the same project, it is unlikely even if it is outstanding work.  In cases where the Brower Youth Awards receives more than one applicant from a project that is a potential winner, we will seek to determine if one applicant displayed particularly outstanding leadership that sets them apart from the others. 

Does my project need to be completed before I can apply?

Not necessarily, but projects must show significant progress and a measurable positive impact by the application deadline.  

If I applied in a previous year, and was not an Award recipient, can I apply again?

Yes!  A number of individuals received the Award on their second or third application. It is acceptable to re-copy applicable portions of your old application into the new form; however, be sure to emphasize the progress made since the previous application.

Should I still apply if my project was completed in the past?

Yes, under the following circumstances:
1)    Your project was completed within the past two years;
2)    Your project continues to have an impact even if you are no longer working on it (e.g. the wetland you saved is still preserved, the program you launched is still engaging the community, etc.); and
3)    You provide evidence that your environmental leadership has continued in other arenas since the completion of the project.

Where does environmental justice work fit under Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration?

Environmental justice (EJ) work that reduces the disproportionate impact of environmental problems on specific human communities often falls under Conservation, because it helps eliminate the damage done by our use of natural resources.  One example of this would be fighting the construction of a hazardous waste incinerator in a working class community.  We welcome applications from environmental justice projects.

Could I win an Award for an art or media project?

Yes, if like David Brower, you use your art and the media to influence public opinion in a measurable way.  David Brower used film, music, photography, publishing, and poetry that had environmental themes to help create new National Parks and Wilderness Areas.  One Award winner created a film on an oil spill in a local river and showed it to local government officials who agreed to clean up the river.  If your environmental art or media project is about generally raising environmental awareness, you must be able to quantify how many people were reached and what they did with their newfound awareness.

:: A Few Tips

:: What We're Not Looking For

RESEARCH & SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS are generally individual, one-time efforts.  While we acknowledge the importance of scientific research in understanding ecosystems and environmental impacts, research and science fair projects are difficult to compare to the leadership of on-going projects in conservation, preservation and restoration.  However, when these projects are paired with advocacy to address an environmental challenge or create a visionary solution, the projects are good candidates for the Award.

SERVICE PROJECTS such as construction of hiking trails or beach clean-ups are not considered for the award.  However, when paired with restoring a degraded ecosystem (for example, reclaim an abandoned urban lot for an organic garden or a plant native plants along a creek after a clean-up) these types of projects may be considered for the Award.