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What is it?

thinkBLUE Challenge is an annual school-based, student-driven competition designed to raise awareness about water issues and inspire hands-on action.

Students at all grade levels will be tasked with developing real-world projects that will explore water sustainability and develop creative ways to protect this vital resource. This challenge empowers students to grow as global citizens who value, protect, and advocate for water.

Educators will also have access to annual professional learning sessions and tools to guide student inquiry, critical thinking, and action both in the classroom and in the community.

Who can participate?

The thinkBLUE Challenge is open to PK-12 grade students across elementary, middle and high school across public, charter and private schools.

Students will take part in the challenge by completing projects that match their grade level. Each school may submit up to 3 projects for consideration, per grade level category. Teachers can help select the top submissions for entry.

PK - 5
6 - 8
9 - 12
 

Goals

 

Principles

Outcomes

For Students:

  • Improved understanding of water conservation, local water issues, and environmental impact.

  • Improved skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

  • Development of tangible eco-projects.

For Schools:

  • Measurable reductions in water use and waste (where applicable).

  • Integration of standards-aligned water sustainability teaching/ learning across disciplines.

For Communities:

  • Increased awareness and engagement with local water issues.

  • Ripple effect of sustainable behavior change beyond the school gates.

Attention Teachers:

Want to participate?

Click here to register your school

Apply today for a $500 thinkBLUE Teacher Mini Grant!

Click here to apply

If you would like to hold a professional learning session for your school or district, email us at thinkBLUE@bluemissions.org

Stay informed

Join our educator update mailing list

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q:  What is the BLUE Challenge?
    A: The thinkBLUE Challenge is an educational initiative focused on water conservation and sustainability. It empowers students to lead meaningful change in their schools and communities by designing and implementing water-focused projects.

    Q: Who can participate in the thinkBLUE Challenge?
    A:     The challenge is open to PK–12 students, with participation guided by teachers or school liaison. 

    Q: Is there a cost to participate?
    A:     No, participation in the thinkBLUE Challenge is completely free for schools, educators, and students.

    Q: What are the goals of the challenge?
    A:     The challenge aims to raise awareness about water issues, inspire real-world solutions, and build a generation of water stewards committed to Water for All, Forever.

    Q: How do we sign up to participate?
    A:     Students, teachers, or school liaisons can register their school or student teams through our official registration form.

  • Q: When does the challenge begin and end?
    A:     The challenge typically launches in November  and concludes with final submissions due in February or March depending on grade level. Check our calendar of events for this year’s specific dates.

    Q: When will winners or acknowledgments be announced?
    A:     End-of-year acknowledgments will be shared  through our website, newsletter, and social media channels.

  • Q: What is the role of the teacher or mentor in the challenge?
    A:     Educators help guide the student experience, provide support, and ensure projects align with the challenge guidelines. They also coordinate submission of student work.

    Q: Is there professional development available?
    A:     Yes! We offer a Professional Learning Session on November 3rd, 2025 to help teachers integrate the challenge into classroom or extracurricular activities. Register here!

    Q: Are classroom resources provided?
    A:     Yes, downloadable project templates, and rubrics are available on our website.

    Elementary, Middle School, High School

    Q: How much classroom time is needed?
    A:     The challenge is flexible. Some classes complete projects in a few sessions, while others integrate it over several weeks or assign components for home learning.

  • Q: What types of projects are accepted?
    A:     Projects during the 2025-2026 school year can take the form of storytelling books, digital powerpoint presentations or community event proposal/campaigns that address water related issues and solution.

    Q: Can students work in teams?
    A:     Yes! Students may submit as individuals, small groups, or as a whole class, depending on grade level.

    Q: Are there specific themes we should focus on?
    A:     While all projects should relate to water issues and solutions, themes may include: access to clean water, pollution prevention, conservation, and climate resilience.

    Q: What is the judging criteria?
    A:     Projects are reviewed based on creativity, impact, student voice, research, and connection to water . A detailed rubric is available per grade level on our website.

    Elementary, Middle School, High School

    Q: How do we submit a project?
    A:     For the 2025-2026 school year, elementary grade-level story books can be submitted in person, by mail, or online submission. When mailing, submissions must be postmarked by the due date. Middle and high school projects must be submitted online by the deadline.

  • Q: Where can we find the guidelines and rubric?
    A:     All materials are available on the thinkBLUE challenge website. Elementary, Middle School, and High School

    Q: What file formats are accepted?
    A:     Elementary: Physical copy, or PDF

    Middle: PDF google slides or PPT

    High School: PDF

  • Q: How are projects recognized?
    A:     All participating schools and students receive certificates, and select projects are highlighted in newsletters and social media.  Select schools demonstrating school wide participation receive banner recognition.

    Q: Will participants receive certificates?
    A:     Yes! Every student who submits a project receives a digital certificate of participation.

    Q: Are there prizes or awards?
    A:     Recognition may include featured spotlights, virtual showcases, and excellence awards depending on grade level and impact.  Recognition for school wide participation will also be awarded. Scoring guidelines for school-wide participation coming soon*

    Q: Will student work be shared publicly?
    A:     With permission, select projects will be shared in our newsletter, social media, and website to inspire others.

  • Q: How do we stay updated on the challenge?
    A:     Subscribe to our educator updates for new information, tips, and highlights.

    Q: Who do we contact with questions?
    A:     Email us at Reach@bluemissions.org, and we’ll be happy to support your participation!