On Saturday, March 28, students supported by Catholic Charities of New York took center stage in the Minecraft: Battle of the Boroughs competition, an innovative program that blends technology, education, and real-world problem solving.
Competing against more than 300 teams, Team Catholic Charities “GWEC Trojans” from the High School for Media and Communications in Fort George earned second place in the Manhattan semi-finals, a remarkable achievement that reflects months of dedication and teamwork. Hosted in partnership with Minecraft Education, the competition challenges students to design solutions to real-world urban issues. Over the course of six months during the school year, participants develop skills in Python coding, sustainability, urban planning, public speaking, and collaboration, culminating in a live competition where they present their ideas to a panel of judges.
From Virtual Worlds to Real-World Impact
For many students, Minecraft is a gateway to new ways of thinking about their communities.
“What’s happening today is the Battle of the Boroughs, where each group competes to build something sustainable and helpful for New Yorkers,” said Ramata Daikite, a senior and three-year member of the Minecraft team. “For this challenge, we had to redesign Governors Island and think about how to make it accessible and sustainable.”
Through the program, students are introduced to complex topics like environmental sustainability and infrastructure. They explore questions such as how to reduce pollution, improve access to clean water, and design greener public spaces. They bring those ideas to life in a digital environment. Then, teams present their projects to a panel of judges, where they are evaluated and scored to determine who advances in the competition.
Valery Palacios, Community School Director at High School for Media and Communications with Alianza Division of Catholic Charities of New York, sees firsthand how the program connects learning to real life.
“They’re not just building something that looks nice,” she explained. “They’re thinking about real issues — like how to make spaces greener, how to improve water systems, or how to design buildings that are better for our environment. It creates awareness of what’s happening in their own community.”
That awareness often extends beyond the screen. Students visit real locations, analyze neighborhoods, and even begin to reimagine spaces in their own communities.
“I go to places now and think, ‘This space is empty. This could be used for something,’” Ramata shared. “New York City is big and small at the same time. There are so many places we can put to better use.”
Growing Skills and Confidence for the Future
“I’ve learned to work well under pressure,” Ramata said. “During competition, I stay calm and support my team. I’ve learned to be a real team player.”
Students also gain hands-on experience with coding, using Minecraft Education’s built-in tools to program directly in Python, a widely used programming language. Behind the scenes, they can write code that controls how elements in the game behave — bringing their designs to life through logic and automation. This approach introduces coding in a way that is both accessible and immediately practical.
Students also build confidence in communication, an area many initially find challenging.
“I’m not really a public speaker,” Ramata admitted. “But during competitions, I’m able to explain our ideas and what each part of our build does.”
For Valery, one of the most meaningful outcomes is the way the program brings students together.
“At the beginning, many of them don’t know each other,” she said. “But over time, they become friends, they support each other, and they learn how to communicate.”
In some cases, the impact is deeply personal. Valery recalled one student who struggled socially and academically but found connection and motivation through the program.
“Because of this, he made friends and started coming to school more,” she said. “It’s helping in so many different ways.”
Expanding Opportunities Through Partnership
As a community-based organization (CBO) partnering with the New York City Department of Education, Catholic Charities of New York provides on-site support at the school, including after-school programming and enrichment opportunities that help students succeed.
Programs like Minecraft: Battle of the Boroughs extend beyond the competition itself, engaging the entire school community. Photography students document the event, volunteers help bring it to life, and students find new ways to get involved.
“Learning technology helps us move faster,” Ramata said. “It’s important because this is where our generation is heading. Everything is built on technology and now AI. When people learn these skills young, we can truly advance.”
As these students continue to explore, create, and lead, they are shaping their futures and helping build a better New York along the way.
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