Mayor Robert J. Duffy today encouraged youth in grades 7 -12 to enter Rochester's first IdeaBounce™, an event that supports and encourages young people to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice. The deadline to register an idea is Thu., Feb. 15.
The theme, "What's Your Big Idea? Take it On!," is designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and turn their ideas into action - whether that means starting a new business, developing an innovation for an existing company or solving a problem that improves our community. The event, which will be held March 3 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, is part of national Entrepreneurship Week USA (Feb. 24 to March 3).
The IdeaBounce™ concept, which was developed at Washington University in St. Louis, gives students two minutes to present their idea, invention, or innovation to a panel of judges. It is the first step to help students determine if they will take the idea to the next step—the business plan development stage. Twenty-five students will be selected from all entries to present their ideas in-person and receive prizes.
Students are encouraged to register online at www.ideabounce.com, or through the mail by writing: IdeaBounce™ c/o University of Rochester, Special Programs, RC Box 270358, Rochester, NY 14627. Applications are also available at all City of Rochester Recreation Centers, all 7th to 12th grade schools in the Rochester City School District, and at all public libraries in Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Yates, Wyoming and Seneca counties.
IdeaBounce™ is sponsored locally by the University of Rochester, Junior Achievement, the City, the Rochester City School District, the Credit Education Bureau, Biz Kid$, the Dazzle School of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.
