In a vibrant initiative aimed at fostering creativity and civic engagement, New York City public school students are gearing up for an exciting competition that merges education with the digital realm. The fifth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs (BOTB) has officially opened its submission period, as announced by Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. This year’s competition will culminate in the much-anticipated Mayor’s Cup, where borough champions will showcase their skills and innovative ideas.
Engaging Young Minds
The BOTB invites student teams from grades K-12 to participate in a unique challenge that encourages them to envision and design inclusive, future-ready urban spaces. The submission window will remain open until March 7, 2025, with detailed participation guidelines available on the city’s Department of Education (DOE) website.
In collaboration with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, this competition aims to engage young New Yorkers in meaningful discussions about their city’s future. It aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the city’s strategic climate plan, PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done (GSD). Participants will leverage their creativity and technical skills to address pressing urban issues.
Students will have the opportunity to explore their boroughs, interact with local officials, and gain insights into New York City’s sustainability initiatives. Through this immersive experience, they will enhance their critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, all while having fun in a gaming environment.
“The annual Battle of the Boroughs competition allows our city’s kids to step up as advocates, creators, and leaders, shaping the future of New York in their own way,” expressed Aviles-Ramos. “In learning valuable and in-demand skills like coding, as well as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, our kids will be set up for rewarding careers and lifelong success. I’m deeply thankful to all our partners who make this opportunity available to our students, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have.”
To participate, students can form teams of up to five members, with submissions facilitated by school staff. Schools are encouraged to submit multiple teams, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. The challenge prompts students to consider how they can reinvent areas surrounding their schools or neighborhoods to enhance food equity, promote natural spaces, and create opportunities for community growth.
Teams that qualify will advance to the semi-finals for each borough championship, with the ultimate goal of competing for the prestigious Mayor’s Cup in May. For any inquiries regarding the competition, participants can reach out via email at minecraft@schools.nyc.gov.
