America250PA launches Sixth Annual Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge
America250PA launches Sixth Annual Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge
Annual Competition Highlights Marketing Skills of PA College Students
PENNSYLVANIA – America250PA virtually launched its Sixth Annual Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge (DEIC) today, presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and supported by UGI Utilities, Inc.
The DEIC is a three-round marketing challenge that provides students from post-secondary institutions across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to design and pitch integrated marketing campaigns for America250PA. The interdisciplinary student teams build campaigns that engage and inform #EveryPennsylvanian in #EveryCounty. Thus far, the program has engaged more than 350 students from 40 postsecondary institutions across over 20 Pennsylvania counties.
“Watching bright young Pennsylvanians participate in the DEIC each year is beyond inspiring," said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. "This next generation of Pennsylvanians hold the keys to our future and ensuring their involvement in the 250th anniversary is crucial to our work. America250PA aims to tell the stories of all Pennsylvanians over the last 250 years, but also hopes to shape the path forward for the next 250. It is our goal that programs like this one will empower these students to get involved and make differences in their communities for years to come," she continued.
This year’s DEIC is generously presented by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dr. Khalid Mumin, announced this year’s challenge theme: “Powering the Future.” With a 30-year commitment to sustainable best practices, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission aims to become America’s First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040. The student teams have the opportunity to make a significant impact and be a part of its 85-year history by designing and pitching print, digital, video, or social media campaigns promoting the PA Turnpike’s adoption of solar energy, raising awareness about the benefits of solar power and encouraging interest in sustainable transportation solutions. As the challenge progresses, five final teams will be selected to present their campaigns to a panel of judges at the Capitol Media Center in Harrisburg, PA, on November 15th.
“We are proud of our role in the Commonwealth's transportation history over the last 85 years and eager to work with our youth, who will lead our industry of change,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “The theme of this project is centered on solar strategy, tying into our commitment to supporting a brighter, more sustainable future. We are honored to support programs like the America250PA Commission, as we get a chance to learn from the leaders of tomorrow and hear their ideas for sustainable practices in our business and road processes."
UGI Utilities, Inc., offers continued support of the program.
“UGI Utilities Inc., is proud to continue supporting America250PA’s DEIC, which engages the next generation of Pennsylvanians,” said Donald Brominski, Director of Business Development at UGI Utilities, Inc. “The DEIC provides an opportunity for PA students to get creative and showcase some of the amazing things happening in our Commonwealth, while also having a hand in shaping the future by coming up with concepts they want to see developed/implemented through America250PA. UGI understands the importance of connecting PA students to PA businesses, because strong communities are critical to the future success of Pennsylvania.”
America250PA’s DEIC is also endorsed by The Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
For more information about America250PA’s DEIC, visit https://america250pa.org/PPE:_Direct_Effect_Innovation_Challenge_(DEIC)
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About America250PA
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.
America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth's history into the conversation. Together, we hope that as Pennsylvanians, we can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth and nation today. The Commission's ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.