Google for Entrepreneurs and The Brees Dream Foundation, in partnership with The Idea Village, announced the eight high schools accepted into the fourth annual Trust Your Crazy Idea Challenge. The after-school entrepreneurship program is designed to inspire young entrepreneurs.
Tim Williamson, Co-founder and CEO of The Idea Village, encourages high school participants to trust their crazy ideas.
The program features an expanded curriculum designed to challenge high school students to develop small-scale entrepreneurial ventures. Tim Williamson, Co-founder and CEO of The Idea Village said the challenge will help students develop the skills necessary to take an idea and transform it into a business. “That will be critical for them to participate in a 21st century economy,” he continued.
Schools participating in the 2013-2014 program include:
- Cohen College Prep High School
- Edna Karr High School
- International High School of New Orleans
- Isidore Newman School
- Lusher Charter School
- New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School
- St. Augustine High School
- St. Martin’s Episcopal School
“Each of the participating schools embody Google’s goal of empowering students to do incredible things through education and technology,” said Tara Canobbio of Google’s K-12 Education Outreach Team. “What excites me most about this program is that it takes things to the next level by marrying a technology-based curriculum with a hands-on, real-world component.”
“This challenge is meant to inspire students to think big,” said Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback and Co-founder of The Brees Dream Foundation. “We hope to stimulate an innovative spirit in each student that will far outlast this program.” Brees also said that the challenge is all about surrounding the bright, entrepreneurial students with those who believe in them.
Participating schools will have a chance to pitch at the culminating event during Youth Entrepreneurship day (March 22) as part of New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week. The winning team will take home the grand prize of $10,000.