Winners’ school art programs will receive $1,000

CHICAGO — Nuclear Powers Illinois is sponsoring the “Why Illinois Needs Nuclear Power” art contest to encourage students to create artwork that best expresses why they believe Illinois needs carbon-free nuclear power and what others should know about its importance.

For more information on requirements and how to participate, please visit: https://www.nuclearpowersillinois.com/artcontest.

The “Why Illinois Needs Nuclear” art contest, open to all full-time, Illinois-based students grades Kindergarten-12, gives students the opportunity to creatively express through a personal lens why they believe Illinois needs carbon-free nuclear power.

The submission deadline is April 16, 2021 by 5 pm. Judges will then review contestants’ artwork based on the originality, creativity, interpretation of the theme, overall art appearance and quality of the idea communicated.

On May 1, 2021 three overall winners will be selected from all qualified contestants and Nuclear Powers Illinois will directly contribute $1,000 to their respective school’s art program. Winning artwork will also appear on Nuclear Powers Illinois social media and could be featured on billboards and digital content across the state.

In addition, one honorable mention will be named in each grade category (grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8; 9-12) and will receive a certificate of honorable mention.

Contest information available here: https://www.nuclearpowersillinois.com/artcontest and contest rules available here: https://www.nuclearpowersillinois.com/artcontest-rules

Need Inspiration?
Interested students that want to learn more about nuclear power can check out Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World™ (https://www.navigatingnuclear.com) from The American Nuclear Society and Discovery Education or visit www.nuclearpowersillinois.com.

Here are some key facts about nuclear power in Illinois:

• Cleaner air: Illinois’ nuclear power plants produce nearly 90% of the state’s carbon-free power and contribute to cleaner air for all of Illinois’ families.
• Reliability: Illinois’ six nuclear power plants generate 52% of the state’s electricity supply and account for more than 12% of the nation's nuclear power.
• Jobs/economy: Nuclear energy contributes to Illinois’ economy. Just four of Illinois’ nuclear power plants:
  • Account for over 28,000 jobs across the state;
  • Contribute more than $3.5 billion annually to the state’s economy;
  • Contribute an estimated $149 million annually to state tax revenues, which supports schools, libraries, parks, and public services across the state;
  • Without these four nuclear plants, Illinois consumers and businesses would pay about $483 million more annually, or about $4.2 billion over the next decade.