The initiative targets currently enrolled students at accredited U.S. universities who can articulate a specific challenge they intend to solve. Applicants must submit a 750-to-1,000-word essay detailing their proposed business solution, the value it creates, and the leadership skills required to bring the concept to life. Stitzel, who draws on three decades of experience in the energy sector, emphasizes that all submissions must be original work; essays generated by artificial intelligence or taken from outside sources will be disqualified.

Interested students should compile their university details, academic achievements, and the required essay into a single PDF for email submission. The deadline is April 15, 2027, with the recipient announced on May 15. Because this is a one-time award rather than a recurring annual program, the organization urges candidates to finalize their materials early to ensure they meet the specific criteria for this single-cycle opportunity.