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John Chambers College of
Business and Economics
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Host an Impact Challenge

The inaugural WVU Impact Challenge was held on September 27-29, 2019 in Morgantown. The weekend-long competition hosted nearly 30 high school and college students to work in multi-disciplinary teams to explore solutions to some of Appalachia’s greatest challenges. During this immersive weekend, students heard from guest speakers, met with field experts, participated in interactive workshops, created media packages around their proposed solutions and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges from around the state. Prizes were awarded at the end of the competition.

Now, we are inviting institutions all around WV to host their own Impact Challenges to encourage innovation and problem-solving in the next generation. 

Read the WVU Today story

The Benefits

Students

  • A resume-building experience. 
  • Cutting-edge workshops.
  • Direct access to top industry leaders and field experts.
  • Opportunity to win bookstore gift cards.
  • Learn how to identify innovative solutions and opportunities to real-world problems.
  • Introduction to technical and leadership skills that can offer a competitive edge in future jobs.
  • Gaining a head start into entering the statewide Business Plan Competition for a chance to win up to $10,000 per category in cash and consulting services.

West Virginia

  • Infusing innovative, entrepreneurial ways to encourages students to think creatively, problem solve, work in multidisciplinary teams to help move West Virginia forward.
  • Students recognized that they can take ownership of West Virginia’s future and make a difference in their communities today. They can be part of the solution now!
  • Students explored innovative ways to make West Virginia a better place to live, work and play while gaining the skillsets that will have them succeed in the ever-evolving workforce landscape.

For questions about how to set up your own Impact Challenge, contact Tara St. Clair ( tara.stclair@mail.wvu.edu )

Impact Challenges Around WV

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Inaugural Impact Challenge - WVU

The first-ever Impact Challenge was held September 27-29 at WVU, hosting nearly 30 college and high school students working together to solve some of Appalachia's greatest challenges. Teams worked with subject matter experts to compete for the best business idea to solve issues outlined by West Virginia Forward.

Fashion Impact Challenge - WVU

The WVU LaunchLab, School of Design and Community Development, and WVU Extension Service hosted this "Fashion With A Purpose" weekend on March 6-8 2020 in Morgantown. The event paired fashion, dress, and merchandising students from WVU with high school students to research and create a profitable, durable, and scalable fashion business model linked to a solution that addressed Appalachia's most pressing challenges.