From Bald Eagles to Penguins: How New Jersey Students Can Lead Global Conservation

By Shreya Dutt, 2025 Governor's STEM Scholar New Jersey is known for having the highest number of scientists and engineers per square mile–a state where some of the brightest minds work together from a young age to solve the world’s biggest challenges. But even in a place where innovation thrives, we are not immune to the effects of climate change. While rising sea levels at the Jersey Shore and forest fires across the state dominate today’s headlines, New Jersey has long faced conservation threats–like in 1982, when the bald eagle population fell to just one active nest.

That could have been the end of the story—but thanks to a statewide conservation effort, including the involvement of children, the bald eagle made a remarkable comeback. Through school programs, student-led awareness campaigns, and youth participation in nest monitoring, kids played a real role in bringing the bald eagle back. Today, more than 300 nesting pairs exist in New Jersey, and young people helped make that possible.

Now, another species needs our help—African penguins. If no action is taken, these iconic flightless birds could be extinct by 2035. The question is: What can students do to help? 

When bald eagle cams were streamed via webcams and shared on social media, thousands of students became eagle advocates–learning about habitats, tracking population growth, and even engaging their families and communities in conservation. Public interest soared, education efforts expanded, and policy followed. That success story proves that when young people are empowered with knowledge and tools, they drive meaningful change. 

We can apply those same strategies to African penguin conservation. Schools could incorporate lessons on marine biology, climate change, and endangered species tracking into their STEM programs. Zoos and aquariums–like Adventure Aquarium in Camden– can expand outreach so students can engage in hands-on conservation experiences. Social media, which helped make the bald eagle a symbol of recovery, can once again spark widespread awareness, only this time with penguins leading the charge. 

Today’s students are already passionate about protecting the environment. According to Pew Research Center, younger generations are more likely to see climate change as a top priority. Studies from the Escape Foundation show that early exposure to environmental issues leads to lifelong conservation engagement. The momentum is already there–we just need to channel it. 

This Earth Day, let’s recommit to conservation by empowering the next generation to lead. By making penguins the face of climate awareness, expanding STEM education, and continuing to center youth leadership in conservation, we can protect not only the African penguins but countless other species threatened by a warming planet. Let’s take the lead, like we did before. Let’s take African penguins under our wings and make them the new mascot of conservation. 

Shreya Dutt is an East Brunswick resident and senior at Woodbridge Academy Magnet School. She is the founder of The MoleCOOL Scientist, a platform that makes STEM fun and accessible for kids. She is passionate about science, health education, and empowering young people to make a difference through conservation and innovation. Shreya is a 2025 Governor’s STEM Scholar.