Challenge 5280 was launched in 2014 as a district-wide initiative aimed at empowering students to address social justice issues within their schools and communities. SVL developed this event series  to create a structured platform for students to engage in civic action and leadership development.

The inception of Challenge 5280 was driven by the need to provide students with opportunities to identify and solve real-world problems, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. The program has evolved into an annual event series with three main components:

• Fall Roundtable: Students share their initial findings and receive feedback from community members and organizations.

• Spring Roundtable: Students present their ongoing research and policy proposals to district leadership and central office staff.

• Challenge 5280 Summit: A full-day conference-style event where students showcase their final projects and policy implementations, engaging with peers, educators, and community leaders.

Challenge 5280 continues to be a cornerstone of SVL, demonstrating the power of student-led advocacy and its impact on educational policies and practices.

Read more about 2024 Challenge 5280