Circular Innovation Challenge

About the activity:

Join the Circular Innovation Challenge, an exciting, hands-on entrepreneurship program hosted by the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship & Leadership at Lewis & Clark College! Open to all high school students—including international students—this in-person experience will immerse you in the world of sustainable innovation on our beautiful Portland campus. More than just learning business strategies, you'll explore how the circular economy presents groundbreaking opportunities to prevent waste, renew products, and build businesses that thrive without depleting resources. Throughout the week, you’ll connect with inspiring entrepreneurs, collaborate with college mentors and peers, and dive into powerful tools like lean startup methodology and the business model canvas. Expect engaging workshops, mentorship, real-world challenges, Portland adventures, and exciting (circular) prizes! If you're ready to turn big ideas into sustainable impact, this is the program for you! Students who complete a precollege summer program and are later admitted to L&C will get preferential consideration for merit-based aid and are guaranteed to receive a minimum of $20,000/year in renewable scholarship funding in the form of a Sequoia or Oregon Maple scholarship.