The collaborative Valley Innovation Project (VIP) focuses on leveraging design thinking to solve real business problems for a local organization in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Students from both the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts will be brought together to solve real business problems with the help of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from a local featured business.
Students will be grouped in teams and matched with local professionals as their advisors and mentors. Together, these formed groups will meet at a Launch Event to unpack the business’ challenges and begin to work toward solutions. During the following week, students and mentors will meet virtually to develop their solution and prepare to pitch their idea to panel of judges on the final Expo Day.
During this challenge, students will have the opportunity to expand their collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills that will launch the next generation of entrepreneurs. 2025 dates will be announced soon!
DATE & VENUE
Launch: Check back soon for the next VIP Launch date.
Competition Expo: Check back soon the next VIP Expo date.
Student Registration will open soon!
How do VIP Student Entrepreneurs benefit from this experience?
Real-World Experience: Gain practical experience by working on actual business problems sourced from a local company.
Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance, support and feedback from experienced professionals who are passionate about helping students succeed.
Networking: Expand your professional network and connect with mentors, peers and potential employers in the Valley.
Skill Development: Develop critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills that are essential for success in today’s competitive business landscape in any career!
Scholarships: Participating in the VIP provides the opportunity for winners to receive scholarships for their future endeavors. More details will be available soon!
Are you a professional and interested in volunteering with the Valley Innovation Project?
VIP Team Mentors Needed: Community professionals that are assigned to a student team for onsite guidance on launch and expo date, and virtually available during the week to connect during team business meetings.
VIP Industry Consultants Needed: Industry professionals that can be contacted (virtual only – by email, calls, zooms) as needed for direction – available between the VIP launch date and VIP expo date
VIP Judges Needed: Valley leaders, local C-suites, and Professionals that will be judging the competition presentations on site during the VIP expo date
Is there something else you feel would be valuable to share with students for this project? Please let us know by telling us on the registration page, opening below soon!
Volunteer Registration (Coming Soon)
VIP presented to you by: Empower Youth Network & SnoValley Innovation Center, in partnership with Riverview School
District, and the Snoqualmie Valley School District CTE Departments
If you have more questions or need additional information, please contact: maddy@empoweryouthnetwork.org, or reach out to your high school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) department for direct school information.
2024 VIP was a SUCCESS!
Thank you to last year’s VIP Student Entrepreneurs, VIP Team Mentors, and VIP Judges!
