New Jersey is the first state in the nation to incorporate climate education in K-12 schools. Climate literacy is seen as a vital part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal for New Jersey to reach 100% clean energy by 2035. Student teams from six schools across the state were recognized earlier this month for innovative projects to address climate change. All were participants in the NJ Student Climate Challenge.  

Middle and high school students were encouraged to identify and complete a school or community project to address a cause or impact of climate change. The students then created a short digital story video to highlight what they accomplished.  

High School Winners 

• First Place: Bug Power! Team from Princeton High School, Princeton Public Schools, Mercer County 
• Second Place: Planet-Over-Profit Team from South Plainfield High School, South Plainfield School District, Middlesex County 
• Third Place: Wall High School Environmental Team from Wall Township High School, Wall Township Public School District, Monmouth County 

Middle School Winners 

• First Place: Climate Action and Sustainability (CAST) Team from Rosa International Middle School, Cherry Hill Public Schools, Camden County 

• Second Place: Carbon Catchers Team from Howell Township Middle School South, Howell Township Public Schools, Monmouth County 
• Third Place: Edson’s Engineers Team from Ocean Township Intermediate School, Ocean Township School District, Monmouth County 

“We created this program as a pathway for students to engage in climate education and have hands on opportunities to make a change in their community right now. The participants clearly demonstrated the bright future we have and should be applauded for their innovation and impact,” said Doug Mokoid, region president for Atlantic City Electric, which funded the program, along with its parent company Exelon.