The Schools Reinventing Jacksonville Challenge is a citywide incentive in partnership with COJ, DCPS, Minecraft Education & C40 cities. The challenge empowers students from elementary, middle, high school and college to help re-envision Jacksonville’s communities and public spaces. By integrating STEM, urban planning, and sustainability, this program cultivates creativity, collaboration, and civic engagement among young learners.

The initiative culminates in a high-profile competition and an Esports-style virtual semi-finals & in-person final event, where student teams showcase their innovative city designs in front of community leaders, educators, and city stakeholders—including the Mayor!

Students participating will come from:

• 197 Duval County Public Schools (~130,000 students).

• 152 Private Schools (~31,000 students).

• 44 Charter Schools.

• 8,600+ Homeschooled Students.

• 8+ Colleges and Universities, including UNF, FSCJ, JU, and Edward Waters University.

That’s a total potential impact of 175,000+ students across Jacksonville.

Participation Breakdown

• Estimated Attendees at Final Event: ~300 students.

• Finalist Teams:

  • 1 team per grade band (Elementary, Middle, High School, College).

  • 5 core players per team, plus up to 2 alternates.

  • 40 core participants, or up to 56 total with alternates.

• Prize Needs (if considering all participants): 40–56 prize packages, depending on alternate inclusion.

• Prize Needs (just considering the winners): 20-28 Packages for Winners With up to 56 students competing across four grade bands, we’re hoping to recognize their work with me.

Unique Features of the Finals

• Balanced Judging Panel: Minecraft Education experts, event sponsors and local community leaders, (urban planners, engineers, creatives, etc.) will serve as judges.

• Local Speakers on Stage: Community figures relevant to each challenge theme will speak live, helping the audience and students learn more about careers in STEM, Jacksonville’s infrastructure, culture, and city planning.

Learn more at: https://www.jacksonville.gov/minecraft