Microsoft calls for 2015 Challenge for Change entries

March 02, 2015 | 15:33

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Microsoft is inviting youth ages 13-25 to submit entries for the company’s annual YouthSpark Challenge for Change contest, a global competition that encourages young people to consider how they can use Microsoft technology and YouthSpark resources to create positive social change in their communities.

This year marks the first time people younger than 18 are eligible to compete. It’s a move whose time has come, according to Elisa Willman, senior marketing manager at Microsoft for Corporate Citizenship & Public Affairs.

“Microsoft has always believed in the power of technology to change the world,” she explains. “If you look at the range of submission topics we’ve received in the past for the Challenge ― everything from STEM education, to sustainable agriculture, to healthcare, to clean water ― you see that young people are already out there doing really incredible things in their communities.”

The announcement was made as part of We Day California, an annual event that celebrates young people who want to change the world, held this year in San Jose. Microsoft YouthSpark is a sponsor of both We Day California and We Day in Washington State, held April 23 in Seattle. Like the Challenge for Change competition, those who attend We Day are inspired to dream big and ultimately change their communities using technology.

“Young people are applying technology in new and exciting ways to do more good,” said Willman. “This age group cares deeply about their communities and the world around them. We want to recognise that amazing ideas can come from anywhere.”

Submissions to Challenge for Change will be accepted, online, until March 25. There are two age divisions: 13-17, and 18-25. Thirty finalists, 15 in each division, will receive a Surface Pro 3 with Office 365. Finalists will submit videos detailing their ideas, which will be shared for public voting.

Ten grand prize winners, five in each division and selected by a public vote, will win $2,500 to help make their ideas a reality, a Windows Phone and the opportunity to go on an amazing service trip to Nicaragua to learn about creating change.

Public voting will take place May 7-14, with winners announced May 27. Meet last year’s winners, who traveled deep into the Amazon.

“We’ve been so inspired by what we’ve seen through YouthSpark,” said Willman. “By encouraging younger people to think about how technology can help them to do more and achieve more, their potential impact on the world is that much greater.

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