General Information

Welcome to the Sustainable Eagan Academy — an exciting way for Eagan residents to deepen their understanding of sustainability issues and to help impact the local environment. This series is community-driven and offers free sessions on diverse topics related to environmental sustainability. Sessions are hosted by the Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission and feature guest speakers.

The Sustainable Eagan Academy is open to all community members of high school age and older. Our program is designed to be inclusive and informative. Participants at all interest levels can engage, learn, and grow on their way to becoming environmental stewards. If you are passionate about sustainability, the local environment, conservation, water quality, trees, and the urban canopy, these sessions are tailor-made for you.

Join 60–90-minute free monthly sessions from January through May on sustainability topics starting at 6:30 p.m. at various locations. Participants attending multiple sessions can earn a Sustainable Eagan Academy certificate. 

Student Speakers

Applications open at midnight on Oct. 5 and close on Nov. 1, 2026.

The Sustainable Eagan Academy brings together community members, local experts, and students to explore sustainability and what it means for Eagan.

We’re looking for high school students with a connection to Eagan to share a topic they care about and bring their unique perspective to the community. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, technology, food, transportation, equity, or another aspect of sustainability, this is an opportunity to share your ideas, connect with others, and help shape the conversation about Eagan’s future.

Selected students will participate in one of two ways:

• Student-Led Presentation: Give a 5–15-minute presentation on a sustainability topic of your choice.
• Student Sustainability Table: Host an interactive table at a community event, sharing a sustainability topic that matters to you through conversation, activities, demonstrations, or educational materials.

If selected, you'll get:

• The opportunity to give a 5- to 15-minute presentation to 30–50 community members
• One-on-one mentorship with a sustainability leader who helps guide Eagan’s environmental goals
• Approximately 8 certified volunteer hours (planning, prep, mentor meetings, and presentation night)
• Personalized letter of recommendation
• Certificate of achievement from the Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission

Program Details

Application

• Applications open: Oct. 5, 2026
• Applications due: Nov. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• Selection notifications: by Nov. 3, 2026.
• Required student workshop: Nov. 5, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Eagan City Hall.
• Final mentor meeting: A 30-minute virtual meeting scheduled 2–3 weeks before your assigned event.

Students must attend the Nov. 5 workshop and be available for their assigned event and mentor meetings. No previous public speaking experience is required. Sessions will be held at the Eagan Community Center or local park shelters. 

2027 Event Dates & Speaking Format

• Thursday, Jan. 28: Presentation
• Thursday, Feb. 25: Presentation
• Thursday, Apr. 22: Table
• Saturday, June (date TBD): Table
• Wednesday, July (date TBD): Table
• Thursday, Aug. (date TBD): Table

Eligibility

• High school student with a connection to the Eagan community
• Interest in sustainability, climate action, leadership, or public speaking
• You must apply individually, but can indicate if you have a classmate or friend you'd like to present with (they must also submit their own application and write your name)

Time and Location

• Most Academy sessions begin at 6:30 pm. Student speakers are expected to arrive by 6 pm for set-up.
• Locations vary, such as the Eagan Community Center, City Hall, Civic Arena, or local park shelters. Final locations will be confirmed closer to each session.

Questions? Reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2026 Meetings Dates and Topics

In partnership with Electrify Everything Minnesota, Eagan presents a series of workshops geared toward homeowners who want to learn more about replacing natural gas equipment and appliances with efficient electrically powered alternatives.

Session 1: Get Amped: The Basics of Electrifying Your Home

Wednesday, Aug. 19 (webinar) or Thursday, Sept. 10 (in person)

Come to one of two intro sessions to get an overview of how to electrify your home, find incentives and contractors, and start planning your electrification journey. This session features the same information presented last fall, 2025.

• Save your spot for the Aug. 19 Webinar.
• Save your spot for the Sept. 10 In-Person Workshop. 

Session 2: Stay Cool, Stay Warm: Heat Pumps Demystified

Thursday, Oct. 8 (in person) 

Discover when they make sense for your home and how they can provide efficient heating and cooling year-round. This new in-depth session will cover key questions to ask contractors when planning your projects and evaluating heat pump options. 

• Save your spot for the Oct. 8 In-Person Workshop.

Session 3: Hot Stuff: Electrifying Water Heating, Cooking, and Clothes Drying

Thursday, Nov. 12 (UPDATE: now happening in person!)

Explore heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, and electric dryers, plus what to consider when making the switch in this new in-depth session.

• Save your spot for the Nov. 12 In-Person Workshop.

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