Community Changemaker Challenge

Too many students are disengaged.

The CCC brings purpose, relevance, and collaboration to the classroom—for students and teachers.

JOIN US

Step Into the Challenge

The CCC is a flexible and adaptable classroom program that culminates in a regional event where student teams present innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Students Will:

Work in teams to identify a problem and design an innovative solution
Create a video, write a paper, and present to industry judges
Build collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills
Gain a sense of voice, self-confidence, and accomplishment
Become a part of a network

Teachers Will:

Implement a structured project-based experience in your class
Guide students through a 3–8 week real-world challenge
Learn new teaching techniques to foster student agency and engagement
Receive the Educators Playbook and see your students thrive
Develop connections with like-minded educators

“I found the work extremely rewarding. To take on a task as great as those we did and develop a feasible solution was a great feeling.”

– Kyle, 11th grade, Hopkinton High School
"Teenagers often have wonderful big ideas but no idea how to go through the steps from ideation to a prototype. The CCC step-by-step process is a good tool for them. I've watched my teams fail early and often until they are moving on a path to success."

– Liz Reyes, Participating Teacher
“I enjoyed CCC because it challenges students to find optimal and ethical solutions for many of the world’s dilemmas. It stretches thinking and gives students a holistic, meaningful perspective on how to incorporate entrepreneurship with their interests.”

– Reya, 9th grade, Phillips Exeter Academy
"This experience has forced me to learn how to guide students towards the questions they should ask and help them brainstorm and identify resources they can access."

– Participating Teacher
“I enjoyed the ability to look deeper into an issue that I feel is important. I also liked how there was individual feedback at the end so I’m able to improve my presentation and solution in the future.”

– Aarna, 11th grade, Nashua High School South
“I most enjoyed the process of developing my group's solution. Coming up with an original and innovative idea with my team members was very engaging."

– Rachael, 10th grade, 2nd Nature Academy
“Some of the best learning is simply students developing their independent learning skills. One of the most valuable skills a student can gain coming out of school is the ability to seek out and learn things for themselves. It's awesome to see students really develop this in real time.”

– Participating Teacher
“The final presentation was unlike anything else I’ve experienced in school.”

– Landon, 11th grade, Hinsdale High School
"Thank you for convening such a well-organized, fairly judged, and hospitable learning experience for me and my students."

– John Bouton, Participating Teacher

2025 Winners

EmployEase

Cardigan Mountain School

EmployEASE is a recruiter in your pocket, a consultant in your ear, and a skills instructor for your future.

Oil Change Initiative

Hollis Brookline High School

Support for the commercialization and integration of algae oil and other alternative oils in the global edible oil market through the use of independent certification.

Grounds to Grow

Phillips Exeter Academy

A nutrient-rich, sustainable plant booster called Nitro Fertilizer that utilizes discarded coffee grounds, eggshells, and cardboard.

The Pink Pantry

Hopkinton Middle High School

A pantry stocked with menstrual products for underprivileged refugee groups.

2025 Participating Schools

Governor's Academy
Derryfield School
2nd Nature Academy
Proctor Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy
Cardigan Mountain School
Franklin High School

Hinsdale High School
Hopkinton High School
Kearsarge High School
Oyster River High School
Hollis Brookline High School
Lynnfield High School
Nashua High School South

Community Changemaker Challenge

Too many students are disengaged.

The CCC brings purpose, relevance, and collaboration to the classroom—for students and teachers.

Step Into the Challenge

“I found the work extremely rewarding. To take on a task as great as those we did and develop a feasible solution was a great feeling.”

"Teenagers often have wonderful big ideas but no idea how to go through the steps from ideation to a prototype. The CCC step-by-step process is a good tool for them. I've watched my teams fail early and often until they are moving on a path to success."

“I enjoyed CCC because it challenges students to find optimal and ethical solutions for many of the world’s dilemmas. It stretches thinking and gives students a holistic, meaningful perspective on how to incorporate entrepreneurship with their interests.”

"This experience has forced me to learn how to guide students towards the questions they should ask and help them brainstorm and identify resources they can access."

“I enjoyed the ability to look deeper into an issue that I feel is important. I also liked how there was individual feedback at the end so I’m able to improve my presentation and solution in the future.”

“I most enjoyed the process of developing my group's solution. Coming up with an original and innovative idea with my team members was very engaging."

“Some of the best learning is simply students developing their independent learning skills. One of the most valuable skills a student can gain coming out of school is the ability to seek out and learn things for themselves. It's awesome to see students really develop this in real time.”

“The final presentation was unlike anything else I’ve experienced in school.”

"Thank you for convening such a well-organized, fairly judged, and hospitable learning experience for me and my students."