2023 - 2024 School Year

Climate change is one of the planet’s most pressing concerns, and its effects are amplified in New Jersey. Recognizing that education is a critical agent in addressing the issue of climate change, New Jersey was the first in the nation to incorporate K-12 climate change education across content areas in its 2020 Student Learning Standards. The goal is to equip educators with the tools to help students understand the causes and impacts of global warming and how to adapt to climate change.

The New Jersey Student Climate Challenge is open to New Jersey public school students in grades 6 to 12. It is an innovative way for teachers to motivate their students to learn about climate change through a fun place-based project that aligns with the new Climate Change Education Student Learning Standards. Students work in small groups to complete a school or community project that address a cause or impact of climate change and then share what they accomplished in a short digital story video. 

How it Works

• The Challenge is FREE.
• Teachers register their class or club to participate.
• Under their teacher's mentorship, teams of 2 to 12 students complete a school or community project that addresses a cause or impact of climate change.
• Each team creates a digital story video about the project and completes a Climate Challenge submission form by April 10, 2024.
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place middle and high school winners are recognized at an Awards Ceremony hosted by First Lady Tammy Murphy.
• School winners receive grants to advance their climate education initiatives ranging from $3,500 to $500.

2023-2024 Timeline