Description

The Innovation League is an opportunity for entrepreneurial high school students in Philadelphia who want to learn how to build businesses while growing their skills and solving problems in their community. Like a traditional sports league, students attend weekly practices led by tech mentors and build their technology, leadership, and social skills. At the end of the season, the teams will compete in the Innovation Bowl - the league’s culminating championship event - for awards and prizes up to $5,000.
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What You'll Learn

•   An introduction to the Innovation space.
•   How to work in teams to build businesses
•   Make connections with tech mentors
•   Use tech and think creatively to solve problems

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Who this Competition is For

•   Students in grades 9-12 in Philadelphia
•   Creative students who are interested in the entrepreneurial space
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Innovation League Rules

In order to be eligible to participate:
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•   Students must attend high school in Philadelphia to participate in the Innovation League.
•   Students may work on their project in teams of 2-4 students.
•   Students may not submit projects previously submitted for other contests/competitions.
•   Students must attend practices that will be held twice per week.
•   Attendance is strongly encouraged. Teams will be disqualified from the Innovation Bowl after 3 unexcused absences.
•   If you have questions, please email innovationleague@codedbykids.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sign up for the program?
The program is open to high school students in the Philadelphia area.

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When does registration open?
Registration opens around mid-August. Check back or sign up for our email list for updates.
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When is the competition held?
This is a 6-week program, with the sessions beginning in late September leading up to the Innovation Bowl finals in November.
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Will the program be in-person or virtual?
The program is hybrid with both virtual workshops and in-person mentoring sessions. The final competition is in-person.
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Do you need previous experience to enter?
No, you do not need any previous experience.
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Is there a cost for enrollment?
No, CBK programs are free for all participants. The Innovation League finalists will receive cash prizes.
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I’ve participated in the competition before, may I enter again?
Any previous participant in the competition that has been awarded a prize for their submission may not enter this year. Any previous entrant who meets the eligibility requirements and hasn’t been awarded a prize previously may compete again.

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What Students are Saying

“CBK has made me realize that there is a space for young people of color like me and my teammates to come together and create something that can impact our community in a positive way.” - Sultan, student

“Part of me volunteered to be an Innovation League Coach because I wanted to pass my [CBK]  experiences along, and the other part of me wanted to see students younger than me succeed. It’s a privilege to be able to participate in such a program with amazing people teaching and a stellar curriculum.” - Jocelyn, student & Innovation League Coach

“During my time in the Innovation League I learned about what it really meant to be innovative. Innovation was a term I was unfamiliar with but through the classes and mentors I feel like I really blossomed.” - Ayan, student

“Participating in the Innovation League has further advanced my interest in the business side of tech and has led me to look for problems I can solve using my skills as a programmer.” - Tahsin, student