Ashoka’s Youth Venture has announced the launch of the 5th annual Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition, in partnership with Staples Foundation. This year’s global competition is open to any youth 12-24 years old who use innovation and technology to drive their venture and improve their community.
Youth are invited to share their story about how technology is helping realize their vision for change, and they could be the winner of the 5th annual Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition. Entries are sought from young changemakers using innovation and technology to improve their communities and our world.
Four finalists will be selected and will receive an all expenses paid trip to Techonomy, an elite conference held in Tucson, Arizona that convenes thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from the technology sector. The finalists will get to meet outstanding tech sector influencers and be recognized for their work!
Guidelines and Selection Process for the Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition:
- Youth must enter the competition or be nominated.
- Entries will be accepted only in English.
- A panel of internal judges will screen all entries and may invite finalists to fill out a detailed application and submit additional material. Judges may ask to interview entrants by phone or Skype.
- The four finalists will be selected by an external panel of industry experts.
- The decision of the grand-prize winner will be selected by competition judges at Techonomy.
Eligibility:
The Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition is open to all youth who are:
- Between the ages of 12 and 24
- Operating a youth-led social venture
- Using technology to advance social change; technology is defined broadly, and need not be the primary focus of your work. For example, you may work on education or environmental issues – but if you use social media or digital platforms to accomplish your goals, you qualify!
- Able to demonstrate impact of project
- Willing to put effort into presenting their story to a global audience
- Able to travel to Tucson, AZ to participate in the Techonomy conference from November 13-15, 2011
- Willing to sign a media release giving Ashoka’s Youth Venture permission to distribute videotaped presentations and associated multimedia during and after Techonomy.
Deadline for submitting the entry is September 19, 2011
For more information and details, please visit this link.
