Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition

Posted by on June 27, 2011

Ashoka and Staples launch competition for youth social entrepreneurs

Ashoka, a global community of leading social entrepreneurs, and Staples, Inc.,have launched the fifth annual Staples/Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition.

This year, the global competition highlights youth-led organizations using innovation and technology to address social issues affecting their communities, and is part of Ashoka’s Youth Venture, an initiative that identifies and fosters young entrepreneurs around the world who are creating positive change.

The competition is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 24 who are operating entrepreneurial ventures that use innovation and technology to advance social change and make a positive impact on communities.

The competition defines “technology” broadly, and it need not be the primary focus of an applicant’s work. For example, young people using social media or digital platforms to accomplish their goals in other fields, such as education or the environment, would qualify. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the impact of their project and be willing to put effort into presenting their story to a global audience.

Youth must enter the competition or be nominated. Four finalists will receive all-expenses-paid trips to Techonomy 2011, a conference for technology leaders, held November 13-15 in Tucson. During the conference, the grand-prize winning team will be announced and presented with the Staples/Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur Excellence Award and a cash prize. The three remaining winners will receive Achievement Awards and other prizes.

Nominations and entries will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 19th.

For more information, visit here.

http://ashokayouthcompetition.org/