Captain Planet Foundation's 2026 Green Heart STEM Challenge Engages Thousands of Students

Launch of the 2026 Green Heart STEM Challenge

On January 19, 2026, the Captain Planet Foundation proudly announced the kickoff of its largest Green Heart STEM Challenge to date. This year, nearly 5,000 students, along with 132 educators from 71 schools across 11 states, are set to participate. This unique initiative focuses on developing community-driven climate solutions, engaging students in rigorous scientific exploration. The program's hybrid model allows for in-person experiences in key cities like Metro Atlanta, Houston, and Miami while also enabling virtual participation for schools across broader regions, thus expanding the reach of this invaluable educational opportunity.

Focus on Earth Sciences

Designed for students in grades 6 to 9, the Green Heart STEM Challenge emphasizes the integration of STEM education with real-world problem-solving skills. This year's theme centers around Earth sciences, guiding participants to tackle local environmental issues, such as soil health, tree canopy preservation, composting, and minimizing food waste. Each school team engages in a dynamic learning process, from forming ideas to researching and developing practical solutions tailored to their community's needs. As stated by Leesa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of the Captain Planet Foundation, “What sets this Challenge apart is that students are mentored and funded to implement their winning ideas!” This focus on real accountability shifts the learning paradigm, thrusting students into active roles in their communities.

Building Knowledge and Responsibility

The Green Heart Challenge operates on a rotating four-year cycle, focusing successively on the elements of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. This ensures that throughout their participation, students gain a comprehensive understanding of varying environmental systems. The ongoing support from dedicated educators steers students toward using the Challenge's platform effectively, allowing them to collaborate, brainstorm solutions, and ultimately take responsibility for their initiatives.

Since its inception, the Green Heart STEM Challenge has consistently demonstrated a measurable impact. Previous cycles have seen hundreds of student teams transition from simple ideas to formalized project proposals. An increasing proportion of these proposals move towards implementation, showcasing the Challenge's robust structure. Examples of past student projects highlight a wide range of environmental topics, including composting processes, food waste reduction, erosion control, and innovative systems aimed at improving water quality. Notably, students have also engaged in long-term projects that extend their work beyond the Challenge’s timeline.

Support from Industry Leaders

This year’s program has garnered support from numerous prominent organizations, including Accenture, Amazon, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Natural Gas, Green Mountain Energy, and philanthropist Susan J. Klein. Many Accenture employees are also actively involved as volunteer mentors, providing guidance in refining ideas, budget management, and project planning through the Challenge's Idea Incubator.

Looking Ahead

As the Green Heart STEM Challenge enters its fourth year, it serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when young individuals are entrusted with real responsibilities and provided with adequate support to transform their ideas into actionable projects. The Captain Planet Foundation’s mission to empower children as problem-solvers for the planet continues to shine through this innovative program. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached over 1.7 million children, directly engaging them in environmental education programs and supporting more than 3,700 projects affecting millions globally. For those interested in learning more about the Captain Planet Foundation and its initiatives, more information can be found on their official website.

About Captain Planet Foundation

Founded in 1991 by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle, the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) is a reputed nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering environmental education. The Foundation promotes programs that equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges effectively. Through initiatives like Project Learning Garden, Planeteer Alliance, and Green Heart STEM Challenge, CPF continues to take strides in shaping a more environmentally-conscious future.