Great question! The entry deadline is 5 PM on Friday, November 28, 2008. Don't forget. Write it down. Just don't miss it. It's a cool way to win cool cash!

• SCHOOLS: All schools (grades K-12) in the United States are eligible to apply. Projects must be sponsored by a formally recognized school group, such as a grade level, classroom or club. Public, private, and licensed home schools are all eligible to apply. Individual students (e.g., science fair projects) and previous award-winning projects are not eligible to apply.
• COMMUNITY GROUPS: Community-based projects, such as those managed and operated by community service organizations, public recreation centers, 4-H clubs and other public, non-profit groups working to protect the environment at the grass-roots level.
• Eligibility determination shall be at the sole discretion of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.

It's easy. Fill out the Application Form, ponder the criteria listed below, then set aside some time for you and your group to create a type-written presentation of your project (written maximum of 15 pages...but less could be more, if you know what we mean!). You can even include videos, CDs, websites, photos, brochures, articles or products that your group has created. Get creative, but also make sure we know what you accomplished. Submit all materials (including the Application Form) to:

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens
Environmental Excellence Awards
c/o SeaWorld Orlando Education Department
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821

Previous award-winning projects have tackled a wide variety of environmental problems, including but not limited to: habitat restoration, school yard beautification, energy and waste reduction, environmental education and community outreach, wildlife protection, and natural resource conservation. Previous award-winners have demonstrated creative problem-solving, strong school and community partnerships, active student involvement, and significant educational and environmental impact.

To learn more about our winners from the past several seasons, visit:
Award Profiles

Very carefully. Projects will be judged by representatives from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and representatives from our nine conservation and education partners:

• Conservation International
• Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
• The Izaak Walton League of America
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• National Geographic Society
• National Science Teachers Association
• National Wildlife Federation
• The Nature Conservancy
• World Wildlife Fund

These organizations work around the world protecting, preserving, and educating about our national resources.

Judges will be looking for the following:

• Project goals, objectives and accomplishments
• Project support/recognition
• Impacts on students, school, community and the environment
• Proposed use of award money (How will it benefit the project?)
• Level of student/volunteer/citizen involvement and initiative
  

Additionally, judges will consider the following:

• Originality/creativity
• Support materials (photos, videos, articles)
• General presentation of the application (organization, neatness)

Please feel free to call 1-877-792-4332 (toll-free) or (407)-363-2389. Or utilize our Ask Shamu service - simply address the subject line as "2009 Environmental Excellence Awards".

Selecting final winners is a difficult and daunting task. But to us, every group who protects and conserves the environment is a winner. For that reason, all applicants will receive recognition certificates.