Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting art, essay and video entries in a Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade, who complete a designated project specific to their grade level.

The deadline to participate is January 31. Winners will be announced in April in time for Earth Day celebrations.

Kids can participate individually or as part of a lesson initiated by schools, home-schools, scout troops, 4-H clubs, environmental clubs or other organized groups.

The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program is a way for kids to share their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others to care for their communities through art, words or video.

Kids are asked to address the theme: How do you keep Pennsylvania beautiful? Projects include:

-- Grades Kindergarten through 4 - Poster

-- Grades 5 and 6 – Essay or video

Two entries will be awarded in each grade level. First place will receive a $25 gift card. First runner-up will receive a $15 gift card. All participants will be recognized with certificates.

“We want to see how youth are keeping our neighborhoods clean and beautiful! Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful believes that engaging youth in protecting the environment not only creates a direct impact on changing behaviors and attitudes, but also influences their friends and families,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We are all responsible for keeping our communities clean and beautiful. This program provides a fun and easy way for students to illustrate respect for the environment and their community.”

The Litter Hawk Youth Award program was created with funding provided by the Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information, downloadable promotional posters and an online entry form, visit KPB’s Litter Hawk Youth Award Program webpage. Questions should be directed to Kylie McCutcheon by sending email to: kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org  or 877-772-3673 ext. 114.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.

The 2021 Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative will be held through November 30.  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Keep PA Beautiful helps mobilize over 100,000 volunteers a year to pick up litter, clean up illegal dumping and beautify Pennsylvania.

[Posted: November 17, 2021]

11/22/2021