By Richard H. Miller, Global Campus
PULLMAN, Wash. – The 2015 Imagine Tomorrow competition is seeking judges to evaluate the work of 9th- through 12th-graders exploring alternative energy sources. The deadline for judges to register is May 1.
The year’s event is May 29-30 at Washington State University Pullman. It combines science, behavioral and business topics: Teenagers research renewable energy topics, then develop plans to put their ideas into practice. More than $70,000 in cash prizes will be given out, thanks to contest sponsors.
Last year, nearly 140 judges and 550 students participated. Past judges have included industry leaders, policy makers and faculty members.
“I would encourage anyone considering judging the event to go for it,” said Brook Beeler of the Washington State Department of Ecology, who has judged five contests. “The winning projects and innovation are inspiring, but there is more to it: Students are proud of their work, and they put themselves and their ideas out there for review. That is brave.”
Each judge evaluates presentations on a single attribute – design, technology, behavior or biofuels – and assigns points based on five criteria – objective, creativity, inquiry, thoroughness and presentation.
Judges will also socialize with the students and one another, starting with golf at the Palouse Ridge Golf Course and including a gathering at Banyan’s on the Ridge.
For more information on the event, organized by WSU Conference Management, please go to the Imagine Tomorrow judging site or contact conference manager Dana Colwell at Imagine.Tomorrow@wsu.edu. To see photos from last year’s event, visit the Imagine Tomorrow past competitions page.