ABOUT THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
This Innovation Challenge equips university students to tackle real sustainability problems through interdisciplinary teamwork. Seven students per team, each team receives a $3,500 budget and is supported by a three-tiered coaching model (Senior Coach, Mid-level Coach and Junior Coach). This 20-weeks initiative challenged student teams to develop solutions to real-world environmental sustainability issues.
Throughout the challenge, students strengthen their capabilities in project planning, ethical decision-making, client communication, and public presentation. The experience concludes with the Innovation Pitch Day, where students present their work to a panel of judges, peers, and the public. High school students are invited to attend, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
Student Outcomes Include:
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Entrepreneurial Insight
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Improved Communication
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Hands-On Technical and Project Experience
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Leadership Development
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Proactive, Solutions-Oriented Thinking
The feedback we received from our 2024 Project Competition participants are:
1. Professional Growth & Career Readiness:
Students developed real-world skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving, making them more confident and competitive for internships and job opportunities.
2. Personal Development:
Participants experienced a shift in mindset by learning responsibility, accountability, and professional ownership through hands-on project work.
3. Exposure to Real-World Expectations:
The program simulated industry conditions by requiring students to produce feasible solutions under real-world constraints and defend their decisions with professionalism.
4. Coaching & Mentorship:
Dedicated coaches and consultants provided transformative guidance that shaped students’ growth and project success.
5. Community & Diversity:
The program fostered a dynamic, inclusive environment where students learned from diverse peers and built a sense of belonging.
6. Career and Academic Momentum:
Students leveraged the experience to succeed in interviews, connect with recruiters, and articulate their value in professional settings.
7. Program Excellence & Vision:
Professionals and students alike recognized BRDG Innovation Challenge as a uniquely impactful program that creates lasting opportunities and prepares first-gen students for meaningful careers.
