ABOUT THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
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 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.
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.
“The competition also offered workshops on project management and innovation, which guided us through transforming our ideas into real solutions.” - Jocelyn M.
In just a few weeks, I picked up React Native and Firebase, and we were able to bring our app to life from idea to implementation...I also developed project management skills that helped us navigate team dynamics, manage iterations, and deliver a product we’re proud of.
-Jeremy Z
“I went from a quiet freshman to leading meetings as a project manager. That confidence now drives how I tackle college and every opportunity.” - Estrella R.