Inspiring Minds NYC in partnership with Brooklyn North High Schools and the Related Affordable Foundation presents the IM Connected Challenge! We are challenging all youth to submit a proposal on how they can keep their peers connected through service projects and/or activities during the pandemic. It is important to us that our youth stay connected to positive spaces during the pandemic and we know that you have the answers!

Isolation and being disconnected is a key ingredient for depression and anxiety and unfortunately, there have been 5 reported suicides amongst teens during the pandemic. What idea do you have, be it big or small to engage your peers as a way to keep them engaged during this time? What service projects would you design to support the larger community? What kind of fun activities would you plan to bring your peers together? Now is the time for you to put your idea out there and get the support you need to make it happen!

We will award up to  (3) $2500 service project ideas and up to (5) $500 awards for innovative activities to engage high school youth. The amount of funds we award can potentially increase as we lock in more sponsors.

Service Projects: address a larger issue in your community and should be a collaborative effort with your peers and/or organization. You can pay yourself, your collaborators and cover the cost of any supplies you need with the funds.

IM Connected Youth Activity - is a one time pilot activity that you design to engage youth in your community. It is not required that you partner with your peers or another organization to plan, but it is required that your idea engages your peers in your proposed activity.

Please CHOOSE which of the two you are interested in applying for and submit an additional form if you want to submit for an additional project.

Note: Brooklyn North youth are a priority for the service project awards, but the activity awards are open to all NYC Youth.

Timeline:
-Complete this application by March 29th
-Youth who submit the top 10 submissions will be informed by April 16th
- Top 10 students will present their ideas Shark Tank style to a panel of their peers for the April 29th Brooklyn North Town Hall
-Winners will be announced at the virtual Youth Conference on May 8th!
- Service projects should be delivered over the Summer!

If you have any questions, email: imconnectedbklyn@gmail.com