Epic Grand Challenge
Seeking creative solutions for social and economic change in Wayne County, Indiana.
The Earlham Epic Grand Challenge competition invites students to take an active role in addressing current issues within Wayne County. Participants are challenged to develop a comprehensive project plan to improve the quality of life for 25,000 county residents within the next five years. Students compete in teams of up to five members and present their project plans in four phases, with the chance to win awards at each level.
Areas of participation
Participants may choose to develop a project plan around an initiative in one of the following three areas:
Neighborhood development
Enhance property values as well as increase the rate of private home ownership in Wayne County neighborhoods and towns.
Employability
Create opportunities for the Wayne County workforce to improve skill levels and meet the needs of current and future employers.
Community development
Enhance the quality of life in Wayne County, making it a compelling place for current and potential residents (outside Wayne County) to live, work and play.
Home renovation, landscaping start-up wins Epic Grand Challenge
A business start-up launched by five Earlham College students was awarded the $10,000 prize for winning the inaugural Epic Grand Challenge, a competition that encourages social entrepreneurship and innovation with a focus on Wayne County, Indiana.
Gateway Restoration and Foundation is both a for-profit business and philanthropic foundation, that had a goal to deliver affordable, expert home renovation and lawn care to improve the quality of life for 25,000 citizens in Wayne County by 2025 — the objective of the challenge. The start-up merged small businesses already owned by team members.
Special thanks to our past partners
The CEIC is grateful for our partnership with Forward Wayne County and its parent organization, the Wayne County Foundation, which has made the Epic Grand Challenge possible in the past. A collaborative organization at heart, Forward Wayne County fosters initiatives to attract, develop and retain a highly competitive workforce, working with coalitions and partners to attain measurable goals and objectives.
Acacia St. John
Program director, Forward Wayne County
Rebecca Gilliam
Executive director, Wayne County Foundation
Questions?
For questions about the Epic Grand Challenge, reach out to the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity.