ASU plans large Leap Day push for community innovators

How will you solve one of society’s greatest challenges? What is your idea to create a more sustainable world, a world free from disease, or even a world relieved of armed conflict?

Arizona State University is inviting the community to participate in a one-day effort to support innovation and entrepreneurship focused on creating solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.

The effort, known as the ASU Leap Day Challenge, calls on members of the community to participate online at 229.asu.edu, where they can submit a solution or invest to support other innovators and help make their vision of a better world a reality. Already, ASU has collected more than 1,500 solutions from students, staff, faculty and the community.

“ASU has earned the reputation as one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial universities in the world,” said Rick Shangraw, CEO of the ASU Foundation for A New American University. “Now, we’re inviting the community to get involved and use this extra day to make a difference.

“It’s amazing what people can accomplish in just a single day to make the world a better place.”

The effort, to be held on Feb. 29, comes on the heels of the White House’s Young America Series launch on Feb. 27 at ASU’s Tempe campus. ASU has been the focus of national attention regarding innovation through the Young America Series — a multi-city endeavor that brings White House administration and U.S. Department of Education officials to 20 university campuses across the country. The series is designed to connect young community, civic, nonprofit and business leaders to discuss issues critical to young Americans. The series aims to identify solutions to meet society’s challenges of today.