2024 was an incredible year for Innovate-A-thon(IAT). We are energized by the power of our model to create value across multiple sectors: students, industry, society, the environment, and the economy. Following the growth and expansion of 2024—the Innovate-A-thon team is thrilled to share some of our goals for 2025!
What is Innovate-A-thon (IAT)?
Innovate-A-thon ignites student ingenuity through a rapid-fire, 4 stage process, connecting them with industry for real world impact and scholarship opportunities—while generating actual solutions for problems of society, environment, and innovation. Participants generate practical solutions to problems across society, the environment, and innovation, while earning scholarship opportunities. It’s a unique platform that bridges the gap between education and industry, creating lasting impact.
Our Vision for 2025
In 2025, we aim to foster a culture of innovation that bridges gaps, connects resources, and empowers communities.
The goals we are setting for 2025 are designed to benefit all stakeholders, amplify impact, and pave the way for long-term success. We plan to expand our outreach programs and build stronger partnerships.
2025 Goals & Initiatives
As we look ahead to the next chapter, these are the key targets we're working toward:
Expand Accessibility
Ensure that any qualified and interested student has access to an Innovate-A-thon through Handshake, direct applications, and university-specific relationships
Grow Our Online Presence
Substantially increase our social media reach on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, alongside growing our newsletter audience, to spread the word about the positive impact of Innovate-A-thon
Attract New Philanthropic Partners
Engage at minimum two new highly engaged philanthropic organizations to support our mission, amplifying our reach and resources
Build an Advisory Board
Expand our board of advisors with innovation visionaries and thought leaders who can guide and shape the future of Innovate-A-thon
Conduct Nationwide Votes for Topics
Host four nationwide votes to select Innovate-A-thon topics, ensuring that we hear the voices of our stakeholders
Exclusive Sponsored Innovate-A-thons
Secure three exclusive, industry-sponsored Innovate-A-thons to focus on specific challenges faced by industries. Additionally, our open Innovation IATs will continue to tackle broader societal, environmental, and economic issues
Monthly Innovate-A-thons
Conduct one Innovate-A-thon per month in 2025—our bottom-line goal—while striving for more, to provide consistent, high-impact opportunities for students and industries
Sprint Specific Sponsors
Acquire sprint-specific sponsors for 90% of IATs. As we bring in topics from nationwide votes, we seek to engage sponsors with common mission and values. We strive to partner with companies to advance this innovation workforce and solutions
Earned Media Recognition
Acquire earned media articles in four publications. We work hard at getting our word out among students, industries, and philanthropists, but earned media is golden ring. If you are a journalist or publisher and would like to share the IAT story, we would love to share our story with you
Engage Alumni
Actively engage 25% of IAT alumni to participate in future Innovate-A-thons, enriching the experience for newcomers with the knowledge and experience of past participants
Begin Framework for an Endowment
Begin framework for endowment to support Innovate-A-thon and Education2Success. We are committed to acquiring sponsorships, grants, and gifts—but we also want the IAT program to live in perpetuity! Building an endowment base will solidify this great opportunity for all students and stakeholders
Develop the IAT Program
Develop IAT Fellows Program—Integrating and recognizing those committed to innovation as a cornerstone of career pathways and solutions to problems
A Bright Future Awaits
As we prepare for 2025, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and community members. Your encouragement propels us toward our goal of becoming a driving force for authentic innovation. We are firm believers that each individual can contribute to shaping a better future—and together, we can achieve extraordinary results.
Join Us in 2025!
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative milestone for Innovate-A-thon and all those involved. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can turn our aspirations into reality. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us on this exciting journey and play a vital role in our mission to uplift lives and communities through innovation.
Let’s make 2025 a year full of hope, creativity, and limitless potential!
For more information, or if you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to us at steven@ed2s.org. We look forward to building fruitful relationships with those who share our vision!
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