Planning Department

Jax Build Challenge

Empowering Students to Help Redesign Jacksonville's Future

🎥 Watch the Video Below for an Overview!

Overview

In partnership with Minecraft Education, C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, and Duval County Public Schools, the City of Jacksonville is launching a citywide Minecraft build challenge. This competition is open to all students from elementary, middle, high school, and college levels within Duval County, inviting them to reimagine Jacksonville’s public spaces and communities. The challenge integrates STEM, urban planning, and creativity to foster collaboration, civic engagement, and innovative thinking. Students will design Minecraft worlds that envision a dynamic, forward-thinking future for the city.

The initiative includes a virtual competition, culminating in a high-energy, Esports-style live final known as The Mayor’s Cup. During this event, top teams from each grade band will present their builds to educators, city leaders, and subject matter experts.

Program Goals

• 🏗️ Inspire Creativity & Innovation: Encourage students to reimagine Jacksonville’s future through game-based learning, gathering their input on the city’s development.
• 🌱 Advance STEM & Urban Planning: Provide hands-on experience in infrastructure design, urban planning, and problem-solving to shape the city's future.
• 🤝 Strengthen Civic Engagement: Connect students, schools, and government through creative outreach, helping students explore city plans, projects & professional roles in various sectors.
• 💻 Develop 21st-Century Skills: Foster leadership, collaboration, digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking in students.
• 🏆 Celebrate Student Achievements: Honor student contributions with a high-profile competition and public recognition, showcasing their impact on the city.

Why This Matters

• 🌍 A Global Movement for Cities
• This challenge is in partnership with Minecraft Education and C40 Cities, a global network of cities committed to building a healthier, more sustainable future. Cities like London, New York City, and Los Angeles have successfully implemented similar Minecraft build challenges, engaging thousands of students in STEM & urban design.
• 📚 Hands-On Learning Drives Future Careers
• Studies show that students who participate in hands-on learning experiences are 35% more likely to pursue STEM careers. By encouraging young people to reimagine their communities, this challenge fosters innovation, environmental awareness, and civic responsibility, preparing them to be the city leaders of tomorrow.