As part of the city's commitment to sustainable development, the annual SA Smart Mayor's Challenge is inviting student teams in grades 6-12 to contribute innovative solutions to address San Antonio's environmental challenges. The competition, focusing on the theme of Environmental Quality this year, encourages students to delve into real-world issues while honing their problem-solving skills.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed enthusiasm for engaging the younger generation in the pursuit of sustainable and actionable solutions. "I'm excited to see this incoming group of civic-minded youth changemakers participate in sustainable development and environmental stewardship in our city," Mayor Nirenberg remarked.

Organized by SA Smart: The Mayor's K-12 Smart City Challenge, the competition requires teams to identify a specific challenge from San Antonio's SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, conduct technical and market research, and propose a viable solution. This hands-on experience equips participants with valuable skills in research-based project development and presentation.

Founder and Chair of SA Smart, Cliff Zintgraff, emphasized the diverse range of topics students explore, including environmental issues, water systems, transportation, sustainability, and digital inclusion. "We are preparing them to be the CEOs, scientists, researchers, thought leaders, elected officials, and advocates of our city's future," Zintgraff stated.

Registration for teams is open until December 29, 2023. To enhance their projects, teams are required to attend the Competition Clinic on January 23, 2024, at UTSA Downtown Campus. During this interactive session, experts in smart city development, environmental management, and entrepreneurship will provide insights, tips, and guidance.

Reflecting on the impact of the competition, 2020 first-place winner Richard Giblin shared, "Participating in SA Smart put my teammates and me in an unknown environment of talking to real experts and proposing real solutions. This kind of critical thinking experience was more hands-on than other educational experiences and profoundly better."

Community partnerships continue to play a crucial role in the success of the SA Smart Mayor's Challenge, with this year's partners including the City of San Antonio Mayor's Office, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Office of Sustainability, and SAMSAT. For more information and to register, visit sa-smart.org.