The Greene Center’s Employer Challenge is an exclusive experience for University of Rochester undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Student teams from a variety of disciplines compete to brainstorm solutions to an employer-generated problem that is timely, impactful, and of value to the organization in a week-long challenge. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams!
Spring 2024 Employer Challenge
The Employer Challenge took place on Friday, March 22nd – Friday, March 29th and was co-sponsored by the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Barbara J. Burger iZone, Greene Center, Simon Business School, and Rush Rhees Library.
Congratulations to this semester’s winners!
🏆1st Place Winners: Dylan Horton, Srimathi Sundar Rajan & Reis Perrotti
🏆 2nd Place Winners: Helen Kim, Winfred Lin, Aliza Lopez, Tina Lin & Chelsea Pham
Challenge Details
Employer Sponsor: First American Equipment Finance (FAEF)
Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
(specific challenge statement to be provided at kick-off)
Students will propose innovative solutions to address the underrepresentation of diverse employees in our workforce. The goal is to create strategies that foster inclusivity, attract more diverse candidates, minimize unconscious bias, and retain employees.
By registering for the Challenge, you commit to the following:
- Attend the Kick-Off Event on Friday, March 22nd, 3:00 – 5:00 PM (Rettner 307)
- Develop an actionable plan and pitch in response to the challenge statement
- Send 1 team representative to attend the Employer Q&A on Tuesday, March 26th, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (via Zoom)
- Present the plan during the challenge event on Friday, March 29th, 3:00 – 5:30 PM (iZone) – reception to follow
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I register for the challenge?
To register to be a part of the Employer Challenge, search the “Events” section in Handshake for “Greene Center Employer Challenge”, then click the register button.
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Do I have to find my own team?
You may register as an individual or as a team. Each team must have representation of at least two different disciplines/majors.
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Will the competition be online or in-person?
The initial kick-off event will be held in-person in Rettner 307. Your team will work independently throughout the week on your solution to the employer’s challenge statement. There will be a Q&A session with the employer that will be held via Zoom. The final presentation event will be held in-person in iZone.
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How much do the winning teams receive?
1st place team will be awarded $750 and 2nd place team will be awarded $250.
