Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Kids will complete a project specific to their grade level. They may participate individually or as part of a lesson initiated by schools, homeschooling programs, scout troops, 4-H clubs, environmental clubs, or other 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. This year's theme is "Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter free for America's 250th birthday," in support of the Greatest American Cleanup, Keep America Beautiful's national three-year campaign to motivate, educate, and celebrate communities to clean up and green up ahead of the country's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade will make a poster, those in fifth grade will write an essay, and those in sixth grade will make a video. The deadline for participating is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

The first- and second-place winners in each grade level will be awarded certificates. All participants will receive recognition of participation with a Litter Hawk sticker.

Winners will be announced in April 2025 in coordination with an awards ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where all winning entries will be on display as part of the 2025 Litter Hawk Youth Award exhibit. All winners and their families, guardians, and teachers are welcome to attend. Special guests will include representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and America250PA.

The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program was created with funding provided by the Pennsylvania DEP. For more information, visit http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk/. Additional questions can be answered by contacting Stephanie Larson at slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or 724-836-4121, ext. 104.