2026 Impact Report
Since taking on the Community Changemaker Challenge, DCN has more than doubled student participation in a single year.
Explore three winning projects from the 2026 CCC
-
River Bandits
A specialized storm drain filter to stop water pollution at its source.
-
Bhudda's Hand
A meal kit delivery box to bring healthy meals to low income families.
-
Build Her Bank
An interactive board game that teaches girls financial literacy and independence.
75% of students were more engaged in the CCC than they usually are in school
100% of students are glad they participated
98% say the program should expand to more schools
90% felt proud of what they accomplished
10 out of 12 teachers say the CCC changed how they teach
100% are glad they and their students participated
100% want to return next year
92% say students need more experiences like the CCC
"I enjoyed being able to work on a project that I am passionate about because I was more motivated to learn and to try harder."
— 11th Grader, Oyster River High School
More than two-thirds of teachers say:
I now connect my classes more to real-world issues
I now let students design and manage more of their own learning
I now design more varied ways for students to show what they know
I now am more confident that students can accomplish big things
“What stands out to me is how directly the students are building the same skills we look for in the workforce... exactly the kinds of skills and mindsets we value in new hires.”
— Bridget Sprague, ReVision Energy, Community Judge
Interested in bringing a Design Challenge to your school?
Email brent@designchallengenetwork.org to learn more.