Dear students,

This spring, 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

The application

Feel free to reach out to [log in to unmask] with any questions.