What happens when students are given the opportunity to lead and innovate around some of the world’s most pressing issues? The 2025 Atlantic City Electric Climate Challenge provided a powerful answer. This hands-on initiative empowers educators and inspires students to address real-world climate challenges with creativity, curiosity, and bold thinking.

The program began with two in-person teacher training sessions held in Cherry Hill and Mays Landing. Sixty-four educators from nearly 60 local schools participated, receiving climate-focused resources and curriculum support. These educators went on to engage more than 6,900 students in grades 4 through 12, encouraging them to think critically about environmental issues and explore their role in creating solutions.

Building on this foundation, select teachers guided students through research projects and video submissions focused on topics such as energy efficiency and carbon emissions. To celebrate their achievements, students and educators from Absegami High School – the challenge’s winning team – visited Atlantic City Electric’s Mays Landing facility. During the visit, they connected with energy professionals, explored future career paths, and received a $1,000 prize to support ongoing climate education efforts.

Programs like the Climate Challenge highlight the incredible potential of young people when they’re equipped with the tools to lead and the resources to shape a more sustainable future for their communities.