P3 Student Design Competition for Sustainability

Typical application deadline: 
December
Contact Name: 
Cynthia Nolt-Helms
Page last updated: 
11/11/2010
Application Deadline: 
December 22, 2010
Contact Phone: 
(202) 343-9693
Contact e-mail: 
nolt-helms.cynthia@epa.gov
Applicant Eligibility: 
Graduate
Applicant Eligibility Comments: 

For eligibility questions, contact William Stelz at: stelz.william@epa.gov

Keywords: 
Agriculture
Business/Industry
Climate change
Ecological studies
Economics
Ecosystem
Energy
Environmental Education
GIS
Green development
Landscape Architecture
People
Population
Research/field research
Urban Planning
Water/Aquatic
Amount: 
$10,000 initially; up to $75,000 for winning design
Funding Abstract: 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the P3 Award Program, is seeking applications proposing to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society. The P3 competition highlights the use of scientific principles in creating innovative projects focused on sustainability. The P3 Awards program was developed to foster progress toward sustainability by achieving the mutual goals of economic prosperity, protection of the planet, and improved quality of life for its people-- people, prosperity, and the planet – the three pillars of sustainability. The EPA offers the P3 competition in order to respond to the technical needs of the world while moving towards the goal of sustainability.

Type of Funding: 
Grant
Funding Comments: 

First phase (competition): $10,000 grant to research and develop projects. Those projects will be judged; P3 Award winners may apply for additional funds from EPA, who will match contributions from partner organizations to help further develop the design, implement the project in the field, and move to the marketplace.
Second phase (award): Up to $75,000 is given to the best student designs, providing an opportunity to further develop these designs, implement them in the field, and move them to the marketplace.

Application Process and Required Materials: 

Process includes:

  • General information forms
  • 1 page design abstract
  • 10 page research proposal, including: description, schedule, partnerships, and letters of support or recommendations.
  •  Budget and justification
  • Resumes
  • Current/ pending support for faculty advisor

See detailed instructions at http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_p3.html

Fund Usage: 
Research, project implementation, general support
Funding Restrictions: 

In the spring following Phase I grant awards, Phase I grantees are required to present their designs at the annual National Sustainable Design Expo on the National Mall in Washington, DC

Fields of Study: 
Behavior, Education and Communication
Environmental Informatics
Environmental Justice
Environmental Policy and Planning
Sustainable Systems
Landscape Architecture