In the pursuit of fostering environmental consciousness and sustainable practices, the Green Heart Challenge is back in 2024, taking a giant leap forward by expanding its reach to include another school district in Atlanta, Georgia, and making its debut in Houston, Texas. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in the initiative’s journey to create a greener, healthier planet.
The Green Heart STEM Challenge for Environmental Justice challenges young people to explore and identify environmental justice issues in their communities and to design feasible solutions to address these problems. Student teams work through a human-centered design process to develop equitable and feasible solutions to the problems they have identified. Challenge submissions are delivered with a 90 second pitch video and written proposal.
The Challenge extends over the months of January – April, and is open to teams of 3-5 students, 18 years and younger, anywhere in the world. GREEN HEART STEM CHALLENGE 2024 is focused on WATER and kicked off on January 16, 2024 with a special geographic focus on metro-Atlanta and metro-Houston.
Finalist Teams compete in a formal “Pitch” (think Shark Tank) to a judging panel of experts. Winning Teams (Elementary, Middle, and High) receive small implementation grants to put their ideas into ACTION. They are also invited to attend a summer intensive called the Green Heart Idea Incubator to work with mentors on implementing their solutions.
This year, the Green Heart Challenge is spreading its wings to embrace even more communities. In addition to the existing participation in Atlanta, the initiative is proud to announce the inclusion of another school district in the city. Furthermore, the challenge is making its debut in Houston, Texas, broadening its impact across state lines.
By involving students in hands-on activities and projects, the initiative aims to instill a sense of agency towards the planet, empowering the younger generation to be advocates for positive change.
The success of the Green Heart Challenge lies in collaboration and community engagement. By working together, participants create a ripple effect, influencing not only their immediate surroundings but also inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly practices.
The launch of the Green Heart Challenge in 2024, with its expanded locations in Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas, signifies a bold step towards creating a greener future. By instilling eco-conscious values in students and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative continues to inspire positive change and lays the foundation for a more environmentally aware and responsible generation. As we embark on this journey, let us unite in our commitment to preserving our planet’s green heart for generations to come.