Counties Energy and Innovation Franklin launch new education partnership
Counties Energy, in partnership with Innovation Franklin, is excited to announce the launch of the Counties Energy Innovation Fund – an initiative designed to support and inspire budding young innovators across Franklin secondary schools.
The fund invites all Franklin secondary schools to submit proposals for a $500 cash grant aimed at bringing students’ science and technology projects to life. Open to Year 9 and 10 students, the programme encourages creative and ambitious projects in the fields of technology, science, energy, digital innovation, cultural understanding and engineering.
Counties Energy’s General Manager of Safety, Culture and Sustainability Tracey Kay, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re thrilled to work with Innovation Franklin to empower students to think big, be creative and show us what they can achieve. This initiative is a fantastic way to showcase the talent and potential within our community. We can’t wait to see their incredible ideas come to life.”
Selected projects will use the $500 grant to turn their ideas into reality, with final submissions due at the end of Term Two. The overall winning project will receive a trophy and a $600 cash prize, along with prize vouchers awarded to students demonstrating exceptional innovation and creativity.
Innovation Franklin Board Member Amanda Mills said the organisations are proud to support the next generation of innovators and look forward to celebrating the brilliant ideas of Franklin’s young minds. “This partnership is about creating opportunities for students to explore their passions and take their ideas to the next level. We’re excited to see how Franklin’s young innovators tackle real-world challenges with creativity and ingenuity.”
Entries for the Fund must be received by 11 April with selected projects announced by 1 May. Project completion deadline is 27 June with the winners announced by August.
Schools are invited to submit their proposals to info@innovationfranklin.org.nz. For more information about the Counties Energy Innovation Fund and Innovation Franklin, visit www.innovationfranklin.org.nz.