The global energy transition is not just happening in boardrooms, government offices, or large-scale industrial projects. It is happening on university and college campuses everywhere, driven by passionate, forward-thinking students who refuse to wait for change to arrive. If you are one of those students, you now have a powerful opportunity to transform your local campus into a hub of energy innovation, education, and action.
Student Energy, a global youth-led organization empowering the next generation of energy leaders, invites post-secondary students aged 18 to 30 from around the world to start an official Student Energy Chapter on their campus. This is more than just another student club. It is a structured, supported, and globally connected program designed to help you develop real leadership skills, execute meaningful grassroots projects, and become an active participant in shaping the sustainable energy future.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Student Energy Chapters Program, including the benefits of starting a chapter, what chapters actually do on campus, who is eligible to apply, the step-by-step application process, required materials, expert tips for a successful application, and important deadlines (or lack thereof). Whether you already have a team in place or are simply curious about the possibility, read on to discover how you can lead the energy transition from your own university or college.
What Is a Student Energy Chapter?
A Student Energy Chapter is a post-secondary club, run by students, that officially partners with Student Energy to leverage the organization’s global brand, institutional knowledge, and extensive network. Chapters operate locally on their home campuses while being connected to a worldwide community of young energy leaders.
The core mission of the Chapters Program is to empower students to become energy leaders by strengthening their leadership, project management, and community-building skills. This empowerment happens through three primary mechanisms:
- Personalized coaching from the Student Energy team
- Access to proprietary resources and learning modules
- Experiential learning opportunities that bridge theory with real-world action
Chapters are not given a rigid playbook. Instead, each chapter is encouraged to adapt the program to its local context, cultural preferences, and the specific energy challenges or opportunities present in its community. The only non-negotiable elements are a commitment to sustainability, youth leadership, and respectful collaboration.
Why Start a Student Energy Chapter? The Full Breakdown of Benefits
Establishing a Student Energy Chapter on your campus provides a wide array of tangible and intangible benefits. Below is a detailed list of what you and your team can expect to gain.
Hands-On Leadership and Professional Skill Development
- Develop and practice leadership skills in a real-world setting, not just in classroom theory
- Build project management expertise by planning, executing, and evaluating grassroots energy initiatives
- Strengthen problem-solving abilities as you navigate the challenges of running a student organization
- Enhance teamwork and collaboration skills by working closely with your founding team, faculty advisor, and the global Student Energy network
- Grow soft skills such as communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, and adaptability
A Portfolio of Real-World Grassroots Projects
- Every chapter creates and implements actual projects that engage the local campus community
- You will develop a portfolio of demonstrated work that can be shown to future employers, graduate schools, or grant committees
- All projects benefit from the credibility of the Student Energy brand, giving your initiatives instant legitimacy
Access to Professional Learning Modules
Student Energy provides exclusive learning content that is not available to the general public. Covered topics include:
- Energy Systems 101: A foundational understanding of how energy systems work, including generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption
- Effective Community Leadership: A primer on how to establish, grow, and sustain a student-led community organization
Invitations to Exclusive Global Webinars
Chapter members receive invitations to webinars on high-value topics such as:
- Strategic Planning for student organizations
- Fundraising and Sponsorship: How to secure financial and in-kind support
- Additional topics as identified by the Student Energy team and chapter network
Personalized Coaching and Direct Support
The Student Energy team does not simply approve your chapter and forget about you. You receive:
- One-on-one coaching sessions tailored to your chapter’s specific goals and challenges
- Direct access to comprehensive resources, including templates, toolkits, and best-practice guides
- Ongoing operational support to help you navigate difficulties with your university administration, recruitment, or event planning
Exclusive Mentorship From Global Energy Experts
Through Student Energy’s extensive professional network, chapter leaders gain mentorship opportunities with:
- Industry professionals working in renewable energy, fossil fuels (transition), energy policy, finance, and technology
- Academic researchers at the forefront of energy science and engineering
- Policy makers and advocates shaping national and international energy regulations
Connection to a Global Youth Network
Perhaps one of the most valuable long-term benefits is the ability to connect with thousands of like-minded young people from over 120 countries. This network offers:
- Peer learning and cross-cultural exchange
- Opportunities for joint projects or campaigns across institutions and borders
- Lifelong professional and personal relationships in the energy sector
What Do Chapters Actually Do on Campus? Real Examples and Event Categories
If you are wondering whether a Student Energy Chapter is worth the effort, look at the numbers. In 2025 alone, the chapters network engaged more than 35,000 people through various events and activities. These events fall into three main categories, each serving a distinct purpose.
1. Community Building and Advocacy
This category focuses on bringing people together around energy issues and advocating for positive change on campus and beyond. Example activities include:
- Hosting panel discussions with local energy professionals
- Organizing campus-wide awareness campaigns about energy conservation or renewable energy options
- Creating peer-to-peer mentorship circles for students interested in energy careers
- Writing open letters or meeting with university administration to advocate for sustainable energy policies on campus
2. Professional Development and Capacity Building
These events are designed to help students build the skills and connections they need for energy sector careers. Examples include:
- Resume and cover letter workshops tailored to energy industry positions
- Mock interview sessions with energy professionals
- Site visits to local energy facilities (solar farms, wind installations, research labs, utility companies)
- Networking mixers connecting students with alumni working in energy
3. Education and Engagement
Education-focused events aim to increase energy literacy among the general student population. Examples include:
- Energy 101 workshops that explain basic concepts such as electricity markets, grid operations, and levelized cost of energy
- Film screenings followed by facilitated discussions on energy justice or climate change
- Guest lectures from professors or industry experts on specialized energy topics
- Interactive demonstrations (e.g., building small solar chargers, energy audit exercises)
Chapters are encouraged to mix and match these categories throughout the academic year. There is no requirement to focus exclusively on one type of activity.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
The Student Energy Chapters Program is intentionally inclusive and interdisciplinary. You do not need to be an engineering student, a climate scientist, or a policy major. The program welcomes applicants from any educational discipline and background.
To be eligible, you must meet all three of the following requirements. If you answer YES to each question, you are invited to apply.
| Requirement | Details |
| English Language Fluency | You must be fluent in English and comfortable communicating with global peers, SE Chapters coaches, and industry partners in English. Local activities on your campus can be conducted in any language, but program communications with Student Energy are in English. |
| Post-Secondary Enrollment | You must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree program of any discipline. This includes community colleges, technical institutes, and universities. |
| Reliable Internet Access | You must have reliable internet access to participate in virtual sessions and collaborate with peers. The estimated time commitment for virtual sessions is approximately 2 hours per month. |
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Student Energy Chapters actively works to remove barriers to participation for young people from specific groups, including:
- Youth from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries
- Youth who identify as women
- Youth who identify as LGBT2+
- Indigenous youth
If you belong to one or more of these groups, the program strongly encourages you to apply. No one will be disadvantaged for lack of previous energy experience.
The Application Process and Requirements: Three Key Stages
The application process for the Student Energy Chapters Program is broken into three stages. Below is a complete walkthrough of each stage, including what you need to do before submitting your application, the steps to apply, and a detailed checklist of required materials.
Stage 1: Before Submitting the Application Form
Student Energy asks all prospective applicants to complete three essential preparatory steps before touching the application form. These steps are not optional suggestions; they are foundational requirements for a successful chapter.
Step 1: Form Your Founding Team
A Student Energy Chapter is a grassroots community, and no grassroots community succeeds with only one person. You need a committed team. The recommended structure is:
- Team size:3 to 5 members
- Age requirement:All members must be aged 18 to 30
- Commitment level:Each member must be able to commit to establishing and maintaining the chapter during their tenure as the leadership team
Important guidance: If you have not formed your team yet, Student Energy recommends that you wait to apply. Do not rush this step. A good starting point is to recruit from your existing network, including:
- Friends and classmates who share your interest in energy and sustainability
- Colleagues from other sustainability-focused clubs on your campus
- Students you have met in energy-related courses or extracurricular activities
Step 2: Identify a Faculty Advisor
Every Student Energy Chapter must have a Faculty Advisor. This is not the same as the Student Energy global coaching team. The Faculty Advisor is a local resource at your university or college.
The role of the Faculty Advisor includes:
- Serving as a liaison between the Student Energy Chapter and the post-secondary institution
- Providing casual mentorship and support to the chapter leadership team
- Helping navigate university policies, procedures, and administrative requirements
- Offering guidance on academic or professional connections within the institution
Before applying, you must identify a potential faculty advisor who is willing to support your team. Approach a professor, lecturer, or academic staff member who has some connection to energy, sustainability, business, public policy, engineering, or a related field. Explain the Student Energy Chapter program and ask if they would be willing to serve in this advisory capacity.
Step 3: Understand Your University’s Process for Ratifying a Club
Student Energy Chapters are hosted at post-secondary institutions. Therefore, you must understand your local process for starting a new club on campus. This process varies significantly between institutions.
Before you submit your application to Student Energy, you should:
- Speak with your university’s administration or student union
- Request a copy of the official club registration or ratification process
- Confirm that you will be able to officially register your chapter once approved by Student Energy
- Identify any deadlines, fees, or documentation requirements for club registration
Special Note on Timing: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There is no urgent deadline. Student Energy explicitly states that there is no benefit to submitting your application early. Take the time you need to build a strong foundation before working on your application.
Stage 2: Steps to Apply (Including the Partner Club Option)
Once you have completed the three preparatory steps above, you are ready to proceed with the application.
Standard Application Path
Most applicants will follow the standard path of submitting a complete application as described in the checklist below.
Alternative Path: Partner Club Program
If your campus already has an existing energy-focused student club, you do not need to start from scratch. The Student Energy Chapters Program welcomes any existing energy-focused student club to submit an application as a Partner Club.
Partner Clubs enjoy special flexibility, including:
- The ability to retain your existing club name, brand, mission, objectives, and organizational structures
- No requirement to rebrand as a Student Energy Chapter
- Full access to Student Energy’s organizational knowledge, brand, and support
The Partner Club option is ideal for established groups that want to access Student Energy’s resources without undergoing a complete organizational overhaul.
Stage 3: Application Checklist – Materials You Must Prepare
Before filling out the application form, have the following items ready.
Required Video Submission (2 to 3 Minutes, Unlisted on YouTube)
You must prepare and upload a 2 to 3 minute unlisted video to YouTube. The video must answer four specific questions. Do not read from a script in a monotone voice. Student Energy wants to see your authentic personality and passion.
The four questions you must answer in your video:
- Why is establishing a Student Energy Chapter specifically important to you? Please specify what unique value or contribution you believe establishing a chapter will bring to your campus. Be sure to include what YOU expect to gain from the program.
- Who is your chapter’s primary target audience, and what specific benefits or value will this audience gain by getting involved with your chapter? (Be specific. Do not say “all students.” Identify a particular group, such as first-year engineering students, business students interested in energy finance, or environmental science majors.)
- Please tell us the story behind your interest in energy. What personal experiences, observations, or learnings motivated you to take action in this space? (This is your opportunity to share your lived experience.)
- What does your ideal chapter look like? Describe the vision for your chapter community. How would it look and feel for a member to be a part of it? (Paint a vivid picture. What events are happening? What is the energy of your meetings? How do members describe their experience?)
Important Notes About the Video:
- An “unlisted” YouTube video means that only people who know the direct link can view it. The video will not appear in YouTube’s public search results, your channel page, or any public spaces.
- If for any reason you are not able to submit a video, you can still apply. The application form provides an opportunity to explain your situation and share relevant details about your background and goals. However, submitting a video is strongly preferred.
List of Founding Team Members
You must provide a list of 3 to 5 eligible youth to form your founding team. For each person, include their name, age (must be 18-30), email address, and a brief note about their interest in energy.
Faculty Advisor Confirmation
You must provide the name, title, department, and email address of at least one interested potential faculty advisor for your local club. While you do not need a signed commitment letter at the application stage, you should have confirmed their willingness to be approached.
Tips for a Successful Application
Student Energy has reviewed thousands of applications over the years. Based on that experience, they offer the following four tips to help your application stand out for the right reasons.
Tip 1: Highlight Your Lived Experiences
Lived experience refers to the knowledge and understanding you gain from your own life journey and the situations you have personally encountered. Do not try to sound like a policy expert or a technical specialist if you are not one. Instead, share honest stories about:
- A moment when you first became aware of energy issues
- An observation about energy poverty, energy waste, or energy injustice in your community
- A personal learning experience that shifted your perspective on energy
Tip 2: Write Your Own Application
This might seem obvious, but Student Energy explicitly warns against using AI-generated content for your written application materials and video script. AI tools tend to produce generic, polished-sounding text that lacks individuality. Your application is intended to showcase YOU and your unique motivations. Write in your own voice. Use your own words. Let your personality come through.
Tip 3: Focus on Your Dedication to the Program
You do not need to be an energy expert to be accepted. In fact, Student Energy explicitly states that expertise is not required. What they are looking for is:
- Enthusiasm for sustainable energy
- A willingness to invest time and effort in the program
- A passion for bringing people together under a shared vision
If you can demonstrate dedication and a collaborative spirit, you are already a strong candidate regardless of your technical knowledge.
Tip 4: Take Your Time
There is no deadline for the Student Energy Chapters Program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Submitting early provides zero advantage. Use this flexibility to:
- Craft a strong, thoughtful application
- Recruit a committed founding team (do not settle for less than 3 people)
- Build a genuine relationship with a faculty advisor
- Practice your video responses until they feel natural and authentic
Remember: You can only submit one application. Make that one application the best possible representation of your potential as a chapter leader.
Ready to Lead the Energy Transition at Your University or College?
If you have read this far, you likely have the passion and commitment that Student Energy is seeking. The next step is clear: gather your team, identify a faculty advisor, understand your campus club ratification process, and begin working on your application materials.
Student Energy explicitly states: “We can’t wait to see what you can accomplish with our support.”
Still Have Questions?
If any part of the application process remains unclear, or if you have a specific situation not addressed in this guide, you can contact the Student Energy Chapters team directly by emailing:
chapters@studentenergy.org
Responses are typically provided within a reasonable timeframe, though you should allow for potential delays during high-volume application periods.
No Deadline to Apply – But No Reason to Delay Indefinitely
To reiterate a critical point: there is no application deadline. The Student Energy Chapters Program accepts applications on a rolling basis year-round. You will never miss a cutoff because there is no cutoff.
However, the absence of a deadline is not an invitation to procrastinate indefinitely. Every month you delay is a month of potential impact, skill development, and community building that your campus misses out on. Use the rolling admissions to your advantage by applying only when you are fully ready, but hold yourself accountable to a personal timeline.
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