Disney’s Planet Challenge empowers the nation’s youth. As an environmentally focused competition it promotes conservation, informs children about global and local environmental issues, gives them a voice on those issues and helps them to create real and positive change in their communities. As a project-based learning competition, Disney’s Planet Challenge expands the education of its participants. The program adheres to all state academic standards, while also applying an interdisciplinary approach with a STEM focus. It stresses collaboration, and utilizes a hands-on methodology that motivates exploration. This style of learning teaches students valuable decision-making and research skills and prepares them to become engaged citizens within their communities.