The Building Leadership Around Sustainable Transformation (BLAST) Competition is an environmental problem-solving challenge for high school students. We would greatly appreciate your support in making this program a success.

The goal of BLAST is to empower students to become environmental leaders and to see themselves as part of a wider effort to solve pressing environmental problems, including climate change. All participants will receive mentorship and guidance to develop a project using their skills and interests. The types of projects could range from planting a garden to writing an app to community organizing. Once their project proposal is developed, students working as teams or individually, will pitch their idea at a ceremony on April 10, 2025, in front of a panel of judges with the chance to win project funding or money to continue their education.

Your sponsorship supports so much more than just a one night competition. Year-round we are connecting with students through mentorship, presentations, volunteer projects, and internship programs. Students have worked with our team to create an environmental fair, EcoBLAST; write a bike plan for Naperville; survey businesses on recycling; present to boards and commissions; write climate education curricula; and so much more! Our students are learning that their skills and interests are critical in the fight to address the climate crisis and protect the environment.

Donations in any amount are welcome! Thank you.

Our inaugural year of the BLAST Competition in 2024 was a spectacular success! Read about the media coverage here. Help us build this program to reach more students.

This school year's BLAST Ceremony will take place on April 10, 2025 at DuPage Children's Museum.

The BLAST Competition is the flagship of the wider BLAST Program, which includes BLAST Internships, BLAST Projects, and EcoBLAST.

Sponsors: Your business or organization will be highlighted according to the sponsorship levels listed below.

Thank you for supporting our community's young environmental leaders!

Sponsor Benefits:

Sustaining Sponsor - $5,000 or more!: Table with promotional materials at the BLAST ceremony. Opportunity to speak at the beginning of the event. Mention in press release and a full page ad in the BLAST program book. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Oak Forest - $2,500: Table with promotional materials at the BLAST ceremony. Recognition of your business at the beginning of the event. Mention in press release and a full page ad in the BLAST program book. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Oak Tree - $1,000: Recognition of your business at the start of the BLAST ceremony. Half-page ad in the BLAST event program. Mention in press release. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST website and social media.

Sapling - $500: Quarter page ad in the BLAST event program. Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media.

Acorn - $250: Your logo posted on the Accelerate and NEST websites and social media, and you will be listed in the BLAST event program.

To donate, please click the Donate button above. If you'd like to help us fundraise, then click the Fundraise+ button.

Thank you!

If you would prefer to donate by check, please mail to 34 W. Chicago Ave., Suite A, Naperville, IL 60540.

BLAST Sponsorship and Donations

By Accelerate Climate Solutions

BLAST Sponsorship and Donations

Building Leadership Around Sustainable Transformation