SCAD BUSINESS STARTUP *1ST PLACE WINNERS*
Theme: Embrace the Unorthodox
What is something you’ve never tried before? What have you wanted to explore but never got the chance to? Find a niche, and think– what hasn’t been explored? Where are the gaps in this market? Experiment, think outside the box, try something crazy, build something unique– just to see if it’ll work. Innovation comes from the unexpected and new!
This theme is intentionally loose! Have any experimental ideas you want to play around with? Any problem spaces you’ve been ruminating on? Want to try out a project in a different discipline? Now’s your chance! How will you design meaningful interactions while thinking out of the box, and being innovative? Remember, dig deep
The Thrive App was created to combat the challenges that young adults aging out of the foster care system face, including high rates of homelessness, incarceration, and teen pregnancy. These challenges are attributed to a lack of support and education on how to navigate life after foster care. Young adults who have aged out of the foster care system lack access to essential resources, such as obtaining legal identification documents, finding information on homeless shelters or extended-stay hotels, and accessing food assistance programs like EBT-SNAP. Unfortunately, once they age out, these resources are not directly accessible, which often causes them to fall through the cracks of the system. In response, THRIVE, an app designed to educate foster youth on how to advocate for themselves and provide resources to assist them in moving forward, including reminders and check-ins for mindfulness.
Meet Lisa, a user of the Thrive app. Today, Lisa needs to apply for food stamps, but she doesn't have to worry because she has all the necessary resources at her fingertips. With our app, Lisa has access to tutorials on how to apply for entitled resources, benefit stipends, transitional housing, and more.
In addition to the app, we also have a website and social media platforms that can be accessed from public computers for those without a phone.
At Thrive, we believe that everyone deserves a chance, including the 100% of young adults who are aging out of the foster care system. That's why we strive to make a positive impact on their lives, one resource at a time.
Join us in creating change and download the Thrive app today.
Personal Connection:
As someone who has experienced aging out of foster care firsthand, I understand the challenges that come with it. When I aged out at 17, I lacked the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed, and as a result, I became homeless. For three years, I went from couch to shelter, struggling to piece my life back together. Eventually, at 19, I joined the military, which gave me some much-needed stability. However, not everyone has that option.
Attached is the official pitch deck
Power in Numbers
30
Programs
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Locations
200
Volunteers
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