ASU students selected as finalists for innovation pitch competition
Three ASU students committed to making a positive social impact have been selected to participate as finalists in the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch Competition on March 26 at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The Fast Pitch competition is a high-energy, rapid-fire presentation event where students will have an opportunity to share the mission, vision and impact of their innovative idea with an audience and judges.
The student teams were selected through an exclusive opportunity for ASU Innovation Challenge applicants. Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from across the university to make a difference in our local and global communities through innovation. Team leaders Joshua Watson, Ashley Brennan and Jasmine Anglen will participate in a rigorous pitch training development program culminating in the selection of one team to win $2,000 and present at the Fast Pitch Competition event in March.
The ASU selected teams are:
Project 12M – Joshua Watson, team leader
Project12M focuses on helping college students pay off loans through community service. The goal is to work with student loan providers to seek solutions for lowering student debt while students are still enrolled in classes.
Local Exchange, Global Change – Ashley Brennan, team leader
Local Exchange, Global Change (LEGC) commits to the advancement of local immigrant and refugee human rights in Arizona by educating college students about historic and current adversities affecting these populations.
All Walks– Jasmine Anglen, team leader
All Walks educates college students and the community about the commercial exploitation of women and children, and helps combat the issues of sex trafficking in the United States and aid its victims.
"I am absolutely honored to represent Local Exchange, Global Exchange in the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch Competition," says Ashley Brennan. "As a finalist, I am continually inspired by individuals and organizations also committed to positive social change."
All three student groups have also applied to attend Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), hosted by Arizona State University from March 21-23. CGI U is an annual event that brings together students and world leaders to address global challenges with practical, innovative solutions.
“It’s always difficult to narrow our list of applicants in the semifinal phase because each year we are reminded of the many innovative nonprofits that are doing great work in the Valley – most of the time without fanfare or adequate resources,” said Terri Wogan, executive director of Social Venture Partners Arizona. “We are excited to be a resource to help build and improve these organizations, and to see them compete in our signature competition this spring.”
Tickets for the March 26 event at Tempe Center for the Arts can be purchased online.