Kicking Off Innovate for Good in D.C.

Innovate for Good Attendees from Hampton Universities Young Diplomats Program.

Young people today are making a difference all around the world – and through Microsoft YouthSpark, we are committed to helping them realize their potential. Last month, we brought together 90 aspiring changemakers to attend the first Innovate for Good weekend of 2013 in our Washington, DC Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center. Innovate for Good is a program of Microsoft YouthSpark, our company-wide initiative that aims to create opportunities for 300 million young people around the work through education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Asked about their “Wow moment” from the event, one attendee said: “It’s very encouraging to come to a place where I actually fit in.  Where I’m around people who are likeminded and actually believe in social change and have the passion to do it. I’m very excited to see all of these projects come about!”

You can see more form the event in the event video below, made by our program partner TakingITGlobal.

Innovate for Good is a global community enabling youth to collaborate, inspire and support each other while using technology to spark change.  The event brings together youth interested in social innovation and entrepreneurship, and provide resources and training to help take ideas and projects from concept to reality.

The events also feature inspiring leaders who encourage attendees to realize their dreams.  At the DC event, Ronnie Cho, the White House Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement and President Barack Obama’s Liaison to Young Americans, spoke about the Administration’s support for innovation and entrepreneurship. Cho also emphasized the importance of efforts like Innovate for Good in providing the resources and skills to help young people solve some of the biggest challenges facing our nation. 

Ronnie Cho, Associate Director for Public Engagement at the White House, provided opening remarks.

After the event, attendees become a member of the Innovate for Good online community, where they have access to specialized content and resources including Microsoft employee mentoring and funding opportunities. At the event, youth:

· Engage with thought leaders representing a variety of perspectives on today’s economic and social challenges.

· Connect to a network of innovators making a difference in business and society.

· Learn about programs and resources to help you achieve your goals.

· See cutting-edge technologies in action and gain insights on how to apply them.

Check back on Innovate for Good as it travels around the world, with its next stop in New York City!

The need and opportunity mapping exercise demonstrates that no idea is successful without outside help.