5 CHALLENGES ~ 4 YOUR FUTURE

In partnership with community colleges, workforce development, local governments, education and service providers, we will build capacity in local  youth and adult communities, and increase relevant skills to support the creation of the workforce of tomorrow.

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~1~

Social Media & Marketing Challenge

​​REGISTRATION OPENS IN AUGUST 2022

• DO YOU HAVE AN EYE FOR ADVERTISING & PROMOTION?
• ​ARE YOU GREAT AT CREATING ENGAGING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS?
• DO YOU WANT TO PITCH YOUR MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO REAL INDUSTRIES HERE IN  OUR COMMUNITIES?

Level 1- High School~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes. Participants will create a 12 month social media marketing and advertising campaign for existing local businesses or non-profit partners.
Level 2- College/Adult~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes. Participants will create a whole marketing and advertising campaign for one of our local businesses or non-profit partners.

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~2~

Transforming our Local Community Expo

​REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER 2023

• DO YOU WANT TO PERFORM 40 HOURS OR MORE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, BUT BY IMPLEMENTING YOUR OWN IDEAS AND PASSIONS?
• ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY?
• DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA THAT CAN HELP OTHERS?
• DO YOU WANT TO FORM A TEAM TO BRING POSITIVE LOCAL TRANSFORMATION AND IMPACT?

Modeled after the National Lead4Change program, participants plan, lead, and document all aspects of a community service project.
Level 1~ High School~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes *Can continue on to submit and compete in the Lead4Change National Competition for up to $10,000.
Level 2 ~ College/Adult~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes.

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~3~

Industry Ideas & Innovation Challenge

​REGISTRATION OPENS IN FEBRUARY 2022

• DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA OR INNOVATION?
• WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHOWCASE YOUR IDEAS AND GET SUPPORT FOR START-UP?
• ​ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY?

Annual participant-ideated locally focused business plan competition aligned with the SBA models for both Lean Start-Up and Investment Capital Plans. 
Level 1- High School~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes
Level 2- 12th Grade/College~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes

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~4~

College & Career ePortfolio Exhibition

​REGISTRATION OPENS IN MAY 2022

• DO YOU KNOW HOW TO BRAND YOURSELF?
• ​ARE YOU READY TO SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS AND TALENTS?
• HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED HOLD A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN TODAY'S WORKFORCE?

Participants in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties showcase their professional personal branding and culminating ePortfolio evidence through a pitch presentation.
Level 1- High School~ Santa Cruz County~ $2,500 in capital & scholarship prizes
Level 1- High School~ Monterey County~ $2,500 in capital & scholarship prizes
Level 2- College/ Adult ~ $2,500 in capital/scholarship prizes

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~5~

Making, Modeling & Engineering STEM  Showcase

​REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER 2022

• DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN OR IDEA FOR A SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, OR MATHEMATICAL PRODUCT, INVENTION OR PROCESS?
• WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHOWCASE YOUR IDEAS AND GET SUPPORT FOR START-UP?
• ​ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR STEM DREAMS A REALITY?

Annual participant-ideated locally focused , design, model and prototype competition aligned with Stanford Design School model and utilizing 2D and 3D skills. 
Level 1- High School~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes
Level 2- 12th Grade/College~ $2,500 in capital scholarship prizes

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Starting and accelerating entrepreneurs, and fostering small business skills & success in Santa Cruz and Monterey County!​​

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