And the Winners of the 2025 SchoolsNEXT Design Challenge Are...

December 5, 2025

Challenged to plan and design sustainable and resilient learning spaces that encourage innovation, critical thinking and collaboration, these young designers have broadened the potential of a school by connecting excellence in design with excellence in education. Their rigorous research, exceptional teamwork and eco-friendly solutions not only meet the needs of students, but address the economy and society of the future, enabling them to master the skills they need to take on the challenges of a world defined by change.

In this episode, recorded at the LearningSCAPES conference, Better Learning Podcast co-host Matt sits down with several teens from Desert Mirage Elementary School that participated in the SchoolsNEXT Design Challenge. They share challenges they had while designing their school, and the biggest success they found after it was over.

Award of Excellence – High School: Discovery High School: OAS

Jasmine Wieringa, An Luu, Zac Tricola, & Ella Tretheway
Discovery High School | Camas, WA
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Award of Excellence – Middle School: Lakeview Middle School: E-STEAM High School

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