Dear students, This spring, Echoing Green<http://www.echoinggreen.org/> 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<http://www.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<https://www.smartcitiesny.com/>. 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<http://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship/apply> 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<http://www.emergence-creative.com/> * 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<https://www.smartcitiesny.com/>) Useful Links: More information about the challenge<http://www.echoinggreen.org/downloads/2018-Barclays-Echoing-Green-Social-Innovation-Challenge_OVERVIEW.pdf> Application tips, short-answer questions and guidance and evaluation criteria<http://www.echoinggreen.org/downloads/2018-Echoing-Green-Barclays-Challenge-Application-Guide.pdf> The application<http://echoinggreen.org/barclays#challenge> Feel free to reach out to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> with any questions.