High School New Venture Challenge
Join us and be inspired by the next generation of entrepreneurs as they pitch their ventures for a chance to win big!Ìý
The High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC)—powered by FirstBank is an exciting spin-off of 91´«Ã½â€™s nationally recognized New Venture Challenge, designed specifically for Colorado high school students in support of entrepreneurial learning. HSNVC is a great opportunity to network, learn and support statewide student teams as they compete for more than $25,000 in scholarship funding to apply towards future tuition at CU!
Mark your calendar to be part of HSNVC!
- Date:ÌýSaturday, April 12
- Time:Ìý1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Location: Kittredge Central Multipurpose Room, 91´«Ã½ Campus
- Address:Ìý 2480 Kittredge Loop Drive Boulder, CO 80310
What is HSNVC?
The High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC) is a multi-round entrepreneurial competition for young innovators and problem-solvers. Hosted by the 91´«Ã½ Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, the competition is open to high school students across Colorado in support of entrepreneurial learning, pathways to higher education, workforce readiness and life skills development.
Participation is free of charge and student teams have the opportunity to compete for more than $25,000 in scholarship funding to apply towards future tuition at CU!
With a particular focus on rural and underserved communities, HSNVC seeks to reduce socioeconomic barriers, increase accessibility, and provide both resources and inspiration for college and career readiness.ÌýÌý
HSNVC is designed to help the next generation of innovators to think creatively, identify opportunities, build confidence, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Educators/coaches can offer this opportunity in conjunction with existing curriculum (e.g. STEM, CTE, business, leadership, etc.), as a part of extracurricular activities (e.g. DECA, FBLA, JA, etc.), or engage independently without ties to a specific program.
Who can participate?
- Any Colorado high school student can compete in HSNVC.Ìý
- All students must have a supporting teacher or community member to serve as a ‘Venture Coach’ and accompany them through the learning process.
- Venture Coaches do not have to be affiliated with a school and can be any responsible adult leader such as a mentor, nonprofit affiliate, coach, counselor, afterschool program facilitator, youth club supervisor or counselor.
How does it work?
Educators or other adult leaders who are making this opportunity available to students must first register for HSNVC as a "Venture Coach."Ìý Venture Coaches will serve as the primary point of contact and guidance for student "Venture Teams."
Students form into Venture Teams (2-5 members) to identify a real-world problem and collaboratively develop a solution.ÌýVenture Teams will explore, refine and develop their ideas over the course of the school year.
HSNVC competition occurs in two rounds:
- Preliminary Competition will be conducted virtually. Competition materials will be submitted online and reviewed by a panel of professionals and educators to determine which teams are invited to the championship.
- HSNVC Championship will be held in-person at the 91´«Ã½ campus. Students will come to the CU campus for an exciting and fun-filled day that includes presenting to spectators and a live panel of judges.Ìý

Questions?

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Please contact:Ìý
Leah Shafer
leah.shafer@colorado.edu
(303) 735-1251
Join Us!
Teachers and Community Leaders:
All Students:
Student CEOs (on behalf of your team):
Additional 91´«Ã½
Competition 91´«Ã½:
Thanks for supporting the next generation of innovators!
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From our Partner:
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Additional Opportunities
Explore these additional opportunities to gain entrepreneurial experience:
Concurrent enrollment available in partnership with Regis University: contact Dr. Ken Sagendorf ksagendorf@regis.eduÌý