2022 - 2023 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 was 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 worked in small groups to complete a school or community project that addressed a cause or impact of climate change and then shared what they accomplished in a short digital story video.
2022 - 2023 School Year Finalists
Student team entries were due in April. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges that included educators and representatives from non-profits, state agencies, and the partner organizations. Entries from students in grades 6 – 8 were placed in the Middle School category and students in grades 9 – 12 were placed in the High School category. Three finalists were selected in each category.
Congratulations Finalists!
Finalists are listed below alphabetically.
Middle School Finalists
C.A.S.T. Climate Action and Sustainability Team
Rosa International Middle School
Cherry Hill Public Schools
Carbon Catchers
Howell Middle School South
Howell Township Public Schools
Edson's Engineers
Ocean Township Intermediate School
Township of Ocean Schools
High School Finalists
Bug Power!
Princeton High School
Princeton Public Schools
Planet-Over-Profit
South Plainfield High School
South Plainfield School District
WHS Environmental
Wall Township High School
Wall Township Public Schools
Awards
The first, second, and third place awards in each category will be announced at the New Jersey Student Climate Awards Ceremony on June 5 at Drumthwacket, the Official Residence of the Governor of New Jersey. The ceremony will be hosted by New Jersey's First Lady Tammy Murphy. The schools will receive a grant to advance their climate initiatives. Students will receive a certificate and a token of appreciation.
1st Place: $2,500 school grant
2nd Place: $1,000 school grant
3rd Place: $500 school grant
Questions?
Email: njstudentclimatechallenge@sustainablejersey.com
New Jersey Student Climate Challenge Partners
The New Jersey Student Climate Challenge is administered by Sustainable Jersey and the Drumthwacket Foundation. It is made possible through the generous support of Atlantic City Electric and Exelon.
