Do you know that there are 370,000 youths, between the ages of 13 and 29 in the State of Nebraska? Many of them are struggling to figure out who they are and what career they want to pursue. Does this fit the description of some of the Nebraska 4-H/Connect the Dots youth, you, and your team support? If you thought “yes”, read on, help is on the way!
OPPD is one of four employers partnering with Symphony Workforce to help students find their why. Symphony Workforce specializes in empowering students by providing access to some of the region’s most dynamic companies and startups, and incentivizing young people to look inward to discover a career path that aligns with who they are at their core. Their gamified mobile platform allows students and young people (ages 13-30) to compete in structured challenges to solve real-world problems put forward by businesses and organizations.
Aside from crucial self-discovery, students compete for cash prizes, virtual internships and thousands in scholarship dollars. The Students Prize Pot for the March Challenges: $10,000.
The best part? Find the Why! has no boundaries. From gravel roads and cornfields to alleyways and cityscapes a young person can take control of their future – if a student has a phone or can get to the internet they can join thousands of others. Students can work alone or work in teams of 2-4 members.
Timeline
March 25-31, 2021
What can you do?
Between March 18-24, Please share the “Find the Why” information and link with your college, high school and middle school students.
Important link for youth to register for a Challenge- https://www.findthewhy.org
What is OPPD’s Challenge? High Demand Rapid Response System
As a leader in Nebraska energy production, we are asking students to use innovation to solve a “right now” problem. When there is an event or crisis, whether manmade or one by nature, like the recent polar vortex, it requires everyone to get involved- all hands on deck. These events impact everyone, regardless of social economic status, geographic location, ethnicity, gender, or creed.
During this one-week challenge, participants will create a scalable solution for customers to reduce their energy (gas and electric) consumption by 10% in a 6-hour period. Solutions will help utilities when faced with peak demand or during weather challenges, such as the polar vortex.
Throughout the challenge, participating teams will also have the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts. Specifically, this challenge is geared toward energy efficiency, and guidance will be provided by OPPD’s energy advisor.
What are the other Challenges being offered by employers?
The 411 on 211
· Employer: Goodwill of Greater Nebraska
· Challenge: Create improvements and develop promotional strategies and marketing campaigns that will increase the national adoption and use of the 211 system.
Quick Serve Quandary
· Employer: Chick-fil-A
· Challenge: Design a process or solution that helps your local Chick-fil-A store maximize its use of its available property to increase “drive-thru” ordering and pick up speed and accuracy while maintaining its high food safety standards.
Farm it Up!
· Employer: 4RM+ULA Architecture
· Challenge: Create indoor, roof top, or urban vertical gardens or farms that incorporate innovative technology to supplement the exploding demand for food and secure a regional' food production capabilities.
More details at: https://www.findthewhy.org