What is the Pioneer Project?
In the Pioneer Project, Pioneer Energy combines training with action to teach our participants the fundamentals of advocacy at the state-level through both a traditional curriculum and real-time experience.
Groups who take on the Pioneer Project in their state will first attend a series of webinars over 4 weeks that teaches them the basics of legislative advocacy and how their policy ideas can become a state law. Then, with the support of a Pioneer Energy coach and all our templates and resources, groups will use what they learned to launch their own legislative advocacy campaigns in their states!
Requirements
Be a student or grassroots group
For 2026: Based in target states
Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Indiana
Commitment
Training period is 4 weeks, campaign period is 4–8 months
Availability
Must have 1–5 hours of availability for the Pioneer Project weekly
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to the Pioneer Project?
Student clubs, university chapters, and grassroots community groups based in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Indiana for the 2026 cohort. No prior policy or advocacy experience is required.
How long does the program take?
Four weeks of legislative advocacy training via live webinars, followed by a 4–8 month coached campaign in your state. Plan on 1–5 hours per week.
What does Pioneer Energy provide?
A full curriculum on policy design and state legislative advocacy, an existing clean energy policy framework you adapt to your state, a dedicated coach, and templates for every stage of the campaign, from legislator outreach to bill tracking.
Does it cost money to participate?
No. The Pioneer Project is free for accepted student and grassroots groups.
What does 'legislative advocacy' actually mean?
It's the practice of designing a policy idea, building support for it, and working with state legislators to introduce and pass it as law. We teach the full process: research, drafting, meetings with elected officials, coalition-building, and public outreach.