This event is CLOSED!
Registration for 2025 program will be
opened on March 2025

STUDENTS

 

Q: How can I enter this challenge?

A: Fill out an application online. The application requires resume submittal with your LinkedIn profile.

 

Q: Who may enter this challenge?
A: Sophomores and Juniors in college, majoring in Sociology, Business, Engineering or Computer Science.

 

Q: How many students will be recruited?
A: A total of 70 students. We are targeting seven teams with 6-7 students per team. Each team will consists of students from multidisciplinary majors.

 

Q: How will teams be formed?
A: BRDG team will select and interview students between May 12 and 15.  BRDG team will form the team

based on compatibility in majors and interests.

 

Q: Will the teams have a coach?
A: Yes, each team will be assigned a dedicated Senior and Junior coaches. A Senor Coach is a seasoned

professional. A Junior Coach is an early career professional or a graduate student.

 

Q: Can I participate as an individual?
A: No, this is a project team competition.

 

Q: What role do the companies play?
A: Companies will have representatives for you to access as consultants for your project. They will provide a

wide variety of expertise from engineering, software development, marketing, and business savvy. You will be required to use these consultants and they will get to know your capabilities.

 

Q: What do I get from participating in this competition?

A: 

• You will have exposure to the participating companies.

• Participating companies will get to know you and your capabilities.

• You will have a team-based project to add to your resume.

• By winning this competition you will have “bragging rights” on your resume.

• You will also learn about team dynamic, project management, business ethics, budget management and conflict resolution.

 

Q: What is the schedule?

A: 

• May 1: Application Deadline

• May 5 - 9: Team selection and Acceptance

• May 17: in person onboarding (meeting coaches and assistant coaches) 

• May 17 - July 31: Work on phase 1 of the competition

• July 31: Phase 1 report due

• August 1 - September 30: Work on phase 2 of the competition

• October 1: Phase 2 report due

• October 10: Competition day; present your project to judges from industry and your peers. 

THE CHALLENGE

Q: What type of challenges?
A: For this inauguration event, all projects will be multidisciplinary projects and will have a sustainable

component. The challenges will be variations of a theme. Constraints and criteria will be defined and you

will have the freedom to design your challenge within these constraints.

 

Q: What criteria are used to judge the challenge?

A: 

• Clarity of message

• Flow from first to final project submittal – “the why"

• Team cohesiveness

• Best use of internal resources

• Effectiveness in utilizing consultants

• Effectiveness in utilizing budget

• Presentation quality and clarity

• Presentation graphics

• Understanding your client/audience

 

Q: Are there going to be different categories of challenges, and if yes, what are they?
A: Yes; details to follow

 

Q: How will each team be funded?
A: Each team will receive $3500 to be used at their discretion. Teams will submit budget proposals and

manage their budgets. Funds can be used to purchase software and supplies, pay team members, attend a conference/class, travel needs, misc. Budgets must be approved by the committee and funds will not be

dispersed until project is completed, unless need is pre-approved.

 

Q: What does the competition day look like?
A: TBD

 

Q: What are the benefits of participating?
A: The BRDG Showcase Challenge provides you with an experience like no other – it is designed to prepare you

for your professional career and beyond. You will gain career readiness skills such as team work,

communication, leadership, and management skills. Not only will you be exposed to companies for potential internships and jobs, but you will be able to consult directly with them and learn more about each company.

This experience will not only help build your resume but provide the skills that set you apart from others in your

field.

Q: Will there be help to guide my team through the process?
A: Coaches will meet with the teams on a regular basis. You will also be required to consult with each of the participating companies.

Q: What are the time commitments and deadlines?

A: 

• Project team will be announced in early May 2025.

• Project teams onboarding will be on May 17.

• The project team will prepare during the summer 5/17-7/31. Virtual workshops on time and project management, team dynamics, conflict resolution, business ethics, and communication and leadership, will be delivered by coaches.

• End of summer deliverables:

  • Team name and logo

  • Team members name, school, major, role in project

  • Project statement and purpose

  • Expected impact of project to society, short and long term

  • Budget plan

  • Project schedule

  • Impact on sustainability

  • Who are your clients / customer

• Project design phase is 8/1-9/31

  • Additional deliverables

    • Where did you use AI – explain why

    • Update changes from your original submittals and why

    • Your effectiveness in using your resources: Time, Money, Consultants, Team Members, etc.

    • Clarity and effectiveness of your presentation

    • How well you meet your customer/client needs

 

THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

 

Q: When is the Competition date?
A: Friday, October 10, 2025

 

Q: Where?
A: Southern CA

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How to find out more?

A: Email: brdg.bridgetoconnect@gmail.com