Young innovators wanted: earn a $20,000 prize

Are you a high school student? Do you have a solution to a community problem (for example in education, health care, or the environment)? If your idea is brilliant, you could earn up to $20,000.

The Westly Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on empowering California youth, sponsors the Westly Prize, which recognizes young innovators in California with creative solutions to community problems. 

 Up to four $20,000 prizes will be awarded through a competitive selection process.Two of the prizes will be given to high school students. Two other prizes will be awarded to university students or professionals 28 years old or younger. To be considered, the ideas of young innovators living in California need to have the potential to improve the lives of people in their communities.

Candidates are evaluated based on several criteria, such as whether their innovation is an advancement over existing solutions to a community problem.  The innovation can range from a new technology (like a software app) to a new service or process (like an innovative literacy program). Candidates must also show that they have prototyped and tested their innovation with some success and that there is potential for broader impact.

 “We want to empower the best and brightest young minds in California to be entrepreneurs for their communities,” said in a statement Steve Westly, Chairman of the Westly Foundation and former California state controller.  “Our goal is to help bring their ideas to life and encourage them to start non-profits and companies that will benefit California and beyond.”

Applications are due by November 2, 2012. Candidates must submit an application and a short YouTube video showcasing their innovation. Westly Prize winners will be announced in December or January. For more information about the Westly Prize or to submit a nomination or application, click here.