Back to School Innovation Challenge
Introducing Startland's first Back to School Innovation Challenge: a team-based pitch competition that will introduce local high school students to the design thinking process and entrepreneurial mentors.
September 10, 2021 | 8:30am-2:30 pm | Virtual
About This Experience
Rooting our challenges in real-world learning, this year our topic will focus on public health and the ongoing pandemic as students answer the question, "How might we empower young people to help solve the vaccination need in our community?"
Students will have the opportunity to:
Work in teams (of 5-10 students) to create solutions
Present their idea to a panel of esteemed judges
Tackle real-world problems affecting their community
The winning team will win funding to continue pursuing their venture beyond the challenge, funds for their teacher’s classroom, as well as digital gift cards to be distributed to each member (gift card vendors to be determined).
Click the button below to reserve your spot as a sponsor for a team(s) at your school. Spots will fill up fast, so reserve ASAP!
Requirements
Must be a high school teacher, or be able to sponsor high school students.
Must have working laptops for all students participating, including Zoom platform pre-installed. (Headphones strongly recommended!)
Must be able to utilize a classroom for the duration of the event (multiple classrooms for multiple student teams, if needed).
Must be able to sponsor a team of at least 5 students, and no more than 10 students per team.
Must be able to monitor students for the duration of the event.
Must have school approval to be able to utilize the school day for the event.
Agenda
8:30 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 AM: Presentation of Challenge
9:30 AM: Teamwork Time: Building your concept
10:45 AM: Learning the Pitch Process
11:15 AM: Teamwork Time: Preparing your idea and pitch
(*Note: Take lunch during this time based on your school blocks!*)
1:00 PM: Pitch time!
2:30 PM: Winners announced
Tips for Recruiting Students
This is an amazing opportunity for students to take part in a real-world learning experience while gaining valuable skills. Along with the event, students will have the opportunity to meet a variety of professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to empower youth. Finally, each team will have the opportunity to continue their venture, with the opportunity for additional funding for the winning team. Please visit www.startland.org or email edu@startland.org if you have any further questions on engaging students in this event!
Thank You to Our Partners
