Placer County Youth Commission introduces innovation challenge for area youth

Published on December 21, 2017

Applications accepted for teams to compete in February event; also seeking nominations for annual Impact Awards

Are you a creative student interested in solving community issues? On Feb. 17, 2018, the Placer County Youth Commission will host the inaugural Placer Youth Innovation Challenge.

At this new event, participants ages 13-19 will compete to create and present an innovative solution to this year's issue: food waste. Participants will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. Local business leaders will be present at the ceremony to recognize the winning team.

Applications for the event will be accepted now through Jan. 31, 2018. The winning team of three to four participants will receive $100 or more in rewards. More information and the simple online application can be found at the Placer Youth website.

"The Youth Innovation Challenge will provide STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] and entrepreneurial opportunities in Placer County,” explained PCYC commissioner and education committee chair Mitchell Herbert. “We hope that the Youth Innovation Challenge will help encourage students throughout Placer County to pursue their technology- or business-related interests."

The youth commission is also currently seeking nominations for the fourth annual Youth Impact Awards, a scholarship and awards program honoring local teens. 

Applications for this years awards are available at the Placer Youth website and due by Feb. 11, 2018. There are four categories: Applied Talents and Knowledge, Community Service, Leadership and Overcoming Adversity. Award recipients in each category will receive a minimum $100 scholarship sponsored by local organizations and businesses. All youth applicants will be invited to an awards banquet and dessert March 18. 

This year, for the first time, PCYC is collaborating with the Sacramento County Youth Commission to host the awards. Students from both Placer and Sacramento counties will be eligible to apply. 

“Together we’ll showcase some of the amazing work happening in our region,” said Kristin Pischel, the award committee’s chair. “We’re excited to partner with Sacramento and hope that by celebrating and sharing the stories of these remarkable young change-makers in our communities, others will be inspired to take action.”

For more information about the Placer Youth Innovation Challenge or the Youth Impact Awards, please email the Placer County Youth Commission.

The Placer County Youth Commission is a group of Placer County high school students appointed by the Placer County Board of Supervisors to encourage youth voice in local community decision making. More information about the youth commission can be found at the Placer Youth website. Commissioners are available for presentations about the Youth Innovation Challenge, Youth Impact Awards or the PCYC in general.