JA Innovation Challenge 2023
Event Completed!
When: Monday, April 03, 2023 - Friday, April 28, 2023
JA Innovation Challenge immerses middle school students in grades 5-7 in the world of business by challenging them to develop a pitch for a new flavor of pizza for Pizza Joe’s, targeted for a market of their peers. Students work together in teams of 3-5 to practice entrepreneurial thinking and experience the creativity, sense of accomplishment and excitement that comes with solving a real-world business challenge!
JA Innovation Challenge teaches essential workforce readiness skills and helps kids develop a mindset for 21st century careers. All activities are student self-guided, with materials accessible online. The program is suited to both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. The challenge concludes with a video pitch competition to “Pizza Joe” Seminara, corporate representatives and local Pizza Joe’s franchisees.
Registration is open and entries will be accepted Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 28, 2023.
Rules:
• Students will enter as a Team, consisting of 3-5 individuals (no one-person entries will be accepted).
• Students will create a 1-minute presentation video of their team pitching an innovative pizza idea to Pizza Joe's.
• We want to see and hear from each Team Member! Make sure everyone has a part in the presentation!
• Students must keep their video to 1-minute or less!
• Complete the entry form and upload your video by 5:00 PM on April 28, 2023.
Check out the videos below for highlights from our past Innovation Challenges- including a few winning pitches!
2023 JA Innovation Challenge Program Overview
JA Innovation Challenge 2020
The JA Innovation Challenge immersed middle school students in the world of business by challenging them to develop a new type of pizza for Pizza Joe’s, targeted for a market of their peers. They were guided by volunteers from businesses in the community, while working together to practice entrepreneurial thinking and experience the creativity, sense of accomplishment and excitement that comes with solving a real-world business challenge. The workshop concluded with a pitch competition to “Pizza Joe” Seminara, corporate representatives, and local Pizza Joe’s franchisees.
JA Innovation Challenge Virtual 2021 Winners
The 2021 winners of the JA Innovation Challenge Virtual were The Chicken Guys, from Girard Intermediate School (Girard, Ohio). This creative group of 5th graders submitted a 1-minute pitch to Pizza Joes for their innovative pizza creation: The Chicken Quesadilla Pizza!
JA Innovation Challenge Virtual 2022 Winners: The Bacon Bunch
The 2022 winners of the JA Innovation Challenge Virtual were The Bacon Bunch, from Heartland Christian School (Columbiana, Ohio). This creative group of 6th graders submitted a 1-minute pitch to Pizza Joes for their innovative pizza creation: The Mac N' Cheese Surpeme Pizza!
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event! Contact us to get more information on how to sponsor a JA Event!
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