2023 - 2024 School Year
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.
Awards
New this year! For the 2023-2024 NJ Student Climate Challenge there are two award categories. Contest rules and the entry submission are the same for both categories.
NJ Student Climate Challenge Award | ACE Student Climate Challenge Award |
To be eligible for a NJ Student Climate Challenge Award, your student team must be from a public high school and middle schools in New Jersey (excluding schools located in the Atlantic City Electric (ACE) Service Territory) | To be eligible for the ACE Student Climate Challenge Award, your student team must be from a public high school or middle school that is located in the Atlantic City Electric (ACE) Service Territory. |
First, second and third place middle and high school winners receive grants to advance their climate education initiatives ranging from $3,500 to $500. | First, second and third place middle and high school winners receive grants to advance their climate education initiatives ranging from $3,500 to $500. |
Register Today
There is no cost to participate in the Climate Challenge and no obligation associated with registering. Registered teachers will be emailed information regarding the Climate Challenge and educational sessions directly.
Submission Information Session
This session provided an overview of the Climate Challenge submission and review process, shared tips on successful submissions, and answered participant questions.
View Recording March 19, 2024
Information Session
Engage your students in authentic learning opportunities with the New Jersey Student Climate Challenge. The Challenge is public school students in grades 6 to 12. The information session provide:
- An overview of the Challenge and how to participate
- Insights from educators who participated in prior years
- Resources to assist educators and students
- How your school could earn up to $3,500 to support climate initiatives.
View Recording November 30, 2023
2023-2024 Timeline
| Teacher Registration Opens | October 10 |
| Student Entries Due | April 10 |
| Awards Ceremony | Early June |
Useful Links
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.
