2025 CIE/USA-DFW Young Achiever Award

 Application Deadline is June 15th, 2025!
(Supplemental materials can be submitted later, see note below)

The Young Achiever Award (YAA) is one of the flagship programs of CIE/USA-DFW. The YAA is designed to encourage and recognize the younger generations of CIE members to achieve high academic performance, develop leadership skills, develop a strong interest in science and engineering, and excel in extracurricular and community volunteer activities. These well-rounded skills will enable them to become strong leaders in this very competitive global marketplace and achieve the greatest possible impact in our community.

YAA recipients will receive a trophy, a scholarship award, and a lifetime CIE/USA-DFW membership.  They will be featured in the CIE/USA-DFW Chapter Annual Convention Proceedings with a picture and a list of accomplishments.

Eligibility – APPLICANT: 

• Has achieved the highest levels in academic, STEM, leadership, community service and extra-curricular activities
• As of May 2025, is a 10th or 11th grader
• Cannot be a prior YAA award recipient
• One or both parents/legal guardians are members of CIE/USA-DFW. Membership application here
• Must submit a YAA application: click here:  2025 Young Achiever Award Application
• Must be able to attend the YAA award presentation rehearsal (September 20, 2025) and the ceremony at the CIE/USA-DFW 2025 Annual Convention (Saturday, September 20, 2025)

List of Key Items you’ll need for the APPLICATION:

• A 1- to 2-page biography essay that describes your academic achievement, strong interest in STEM, active community service, extracurricular activities, and your personal aspirations.
• Your TOP 5 Academic honors or awards.
• Official High School Transcript – If you are unable to receive an official transcript directly from your school, please have them send it by email to: yaa@cie-dfw.org
  The official transcript should show coursework and grades up to 2024 Fall Semester and also 2025 Spring Semester grades if available.
• For completed college coursework, including dual credit coursework, submit official transcripts of the credits issued by the college or university.
• Make a list of 2-3 extracurricular activities that are important to you. Please include a description of the activity, the number of hours in a week you participate in that activity and your role.
• Community Service: In an Excel, Word, or PDF file, provide the name of the organization(s), the time frame, the number of hours per month and a brief comment about the impact your service had on your leadership development and your community.  If you want to share additional information, you can write a short essay and send via e-mail to yaa@cie-dfw.org.  For the hours that you list, please be prepared to provide certificates or other documentation.
• Recent portrait photo in JPEG format (headshot with appropriate (business/formal) attire and clear background; resolution higher than 720×480). NOTE:  This picture will be used for the Award Ceremony and the Convention Proceedings booklet.
• A 2- to 3-minute video (MOV or MP4 format) to introduce yourself, your achievements, your leadership, your passion, etc. (landscape style; resolution higher than 720p; phone video clip preferred.)
• Please select a TEACHER and a COMMUNITY Service or Extra Curricular Coach/Sponsor/Mentor (see form links). Choose carefully and be sure to pick someone who is familiar with you and your achievements AND is willing to write the letter.  These letters should be sent via e-mail to yaa@cie-dfw.org.
• Applications missing any of the above may not be accepted.

Note: If you need to request your transcript and/or request recommendation letters, please submit the application by the due date (June  15th, 2025) and ask your school, teacher, or community contact to send the document(s) separately to yaa@cie-dfw.org
on or before July 31, 2025.

Downloadable Recommendation Forms:

 YAA Teacher Recommendation Form

YAA Community-Recommendation Form

All applications are due by 6/15/2025 (supplemental documents from school and community contacts are due by 7/31/2025)

2025 Young Achiever Award Poster