The Innovation League is the new home for ambitious high school students who want to learn how to become change-makers and solve problems! Teams of students learn how to build businesses and compete for cash prizes up to $5,000!
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.
• Critical Analysis: Assessing problems, identifying root causes, and developing effective strategies to address them
• Prototyping: Hands-on experience in creating prototypes to test and refine their innovative ideas
• Pitching: Preparing and delivering compelling business pitches
• Students in grades 9-12 in Philadelphia
• Creative students who are interested in the entrepreneurial space
• Registration is NOW OPEN
• October 1: registration closes
• October 1: sessions begins
• December 7: project showcase
Sessions:
Tuesdays (virtual): 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Thursdays (virtual): 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Saturdays (in-person): 12:00 - 3:00 pm
In order to be eligible to participate:
• 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.
• First Place: $5,000
• Second Place: $2,000
• Third Place: $1,000
Who can sign up for the program?
The program is open to high school students in the Philadelphia area.
When does registration open?
Registration opens August 12, 2024.
When is the competition held?
Sessions begin on October 1st and lead up to the showcase on December 7th.
Will the program be in-person or virtual?
The program is hybrid with both virtual workshops and in-person mentoring sessions. The final showcase is in-person.
Do you need previous experience to enter?
No, you do not need any previous experience.
Is there a cost for enrollment?
No, Coded by: programs are free for all participants. The Innovation League finalists will receive cash prizes.
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.
“Coded by: 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 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
Coded by Kids runs free programs and competitions throughout the year. Don't miss the opportunity to grow and showcase your tech skills.
