Echoing Green and Barclays invite New School students to apply for the NYC Future of Work Social Innovation Challenge
Echoing Green and Barclays are partnering to challenge next-generation innovators to develop and submit their ideas to the Future of Work Social Innovation Challenge. Top undergraduate and/or graduate student teams from colleges and universities across NYC will be selected to participate in a one-day business plan boot camp and pitch competition on May 9, 2018.
How to Apply
Interested students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a New York City based college or university will submit a short application that outlines their idea for tackling one or more of the following future of work challenges in NYC:
- Barriers to education and access (e.g., high school and college completion initiatives; training programs for upskilling and reskilling; enhancing digital literacy; micro-credentialing, certification or bridge programs)
- Unemployment and underemployment with a focus on historically-marginalized populations, including formerly incarcerated people; people with disabilities, youth, aging and immigrants (e.g., job creation or fair employment programs)
- Lack of opportunity or protections for an increasingly independent workforce (e.g., platforms for underemployed digital workers; portable benefits programs for independent workers)
To access the application, visit echoinggreen.org/barclays#challenge
The Prize
Up to ten (10) Finalists/Finalist teams will be selected to attend a one-day social impact business plan boot camp and pitch competition. Each Finalist team will also receive a ticket to attend Smart Cities New York.
The winning challenge team will receive a prize consisting of:
- Second-round advancement in the 2019 Echoing Green Fellowship application process (must also meet criteria and apply for the Echoing Green Fellowship in fall 2018)
- Five (5) consulting hours from Echoing Green over the summer to help you launch your venture
- Feedback on your business plan from Barclays executives
- Marketing and branding support from Emergence Creative
- Opportunity to pitch to a live and virtual audience at an Echoing Green event
Timeline
Feb-March 2018 Workshop and refine your idea
March 27, 2018 Challenge applications are due
March-April 2018 Echoing Green and Barclays evaluates Challenge applications
April 2018 Finalists notified; prepare for business plan boot camp and pitch competition
May 9, 2018 Business Plan Boot Camp & Pitch Competition, hosted by Barclays (as part of Smart Cities NY)
Useful Links:
More information about the challenge
Application tips, short-answer questions and guidance and evaluation criteria