Student Project-Based Challenge
EECCOA stands for Energy Efficiency to Mitigate Climate Change and Ocean Acidification. It is a STEAM competition for middle and high school students focused on reducing their school's carbon footprint or raising awareness of the importance of removing the Matilija Dam on the Ventura River. Project proposals must reduce the school's carbon footprint to mitigate climate change and reduce utility costs to make schools a healthier place.
FOUR TIERS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Design and propose a measurable method to reduce your school or your home's energy use, CO2 and utility costs
WATER CONSERVATION
Design and propose a tangible method to reduce the potable water used on your school campus, or at home
WASTE REDUCTION
Design and propose a tangible method to increase recycling and reduce waste production at your school site or at home
OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
OR
Design an effective community outreach project to increase public awareness and the understanding of the removal of the Matilija dam.
(For VUSD only)
Design an effective community outreach project to increase public awareness about extreme heat and heat-related impacts in Ventura County.
(For Santa Paula HS only)
Save the Date!
Award Ceremony:
Mon. May 18th, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Poinsettia Pavilion
(3451 Foothill Rd., Ventura, CA 93003)
Project Submission Deadline:
Tues. April 21st, 2026
For help on your EECCOA Challenge Project, contact info@meritofoundation.org
Sponsors of 2026 EECCOA Challenge
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