Student teams from middle and high schools showcase their approaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.

The Drumthwacket Foundation and Sustainable Jersey recognized eight student teams from middle and high schools across New Jersey for their projects in the 2025 New Jersey Student Climate Challenge. These action projects, designed and completed by students, addressed local impacts and causes of climate change and were presented through original digital story videos.

The award ceremony was hosted by the Drumthwacket Foundation and New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, who commended the students and their teacher mentors for their leadership and innovation.

“It is my honor to once again host the Annual NJ Student Climate Challenge Action Project Awards at Drumthwacket,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The projects receiving awards represent the very best of student-led innovation, dedication and environmental problem-solving. From identifying areas lacking shade trees to reduce flooding and the urban heat island effect, to launching a composting program to make sustainability a daily focus in their school community and so much more, each of these student teams exemplifies meaningful leadership in the face of a rapidly evolving climate crisis. New Jersey is leading the nation in climate change education and our students are being prepared to succeed in the green jobs of tomorrow.”

High School Category Winners

First Place:

EBHS SAVE Club (Students Against Violating the Environment), East Brunswick High School, East Brunswick Public Schools, Middlesex County

Second Place:

Tree Ambassadors, Metuchen High School, Metuchen Public School District, Middlesex County

Third Place (tie):

Project Planet Plates, Hightstown High School, East Windsor Regional School District, Mercer County

MSHS UNLESS, Maple Shade High School, Maple Shade School District, Burlington County

Middle School Category Winners

First Place:

Shade Makers, Ocean Township Intermediate School, Township of Ocean School District, Monmouth County

Second Place:

Eels for Climate Change, Green Brook Middle School, Green Brook Township Public Schools, Somerset County

Third Place (tie):

Waste2Wave, P.S. #28 School (Christa McAuliffe), Jersey City Public Schools, Hudson County

TGMS Pollinator Club, Thomas Grover Middle School, West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, Mercer County

Winning schools received grants ranging from $2,500 to $500 to support continued climate education initiatives.

The New Jersey Student Climate Challenge builds on the state’s leadership in climate literacy, including its pioneering integration of climate change education across K–12 content areas. The Challenge was open to students in grades 6–12 attending New Jersey public schools. Participants were asked to identify a climate-related issue in their school or community, implement a solution, and document their work in a short video. Winners were selected by a panel of judges representing educators, non-profits, state agencies, and partner organizations.