The Paradigm Challenge

The Paradigm Challenge is a competition for teams of students aged 4-18 to use creativity and collaboration to improve personal health. As part of the competition, students watch a video that takes them through six elements of problem-solving. The options for entries are almost limitless - posters, apps, videos, community events and more. The top 100 contestants are selected as finalists and become eligible to win cash prizes and a 4-day trip to Los Angeles for a prize ceremony. Exciting!

“The Paradigm Challenge is an ongoing competition that invites students aged 4 to 18 around the world to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve real-life problems and make a difference.”

How do I get started?: Click here.

How do I expand this narrative arc? If you’re interested in science and public health this is a great entree into community-based advocacy.

• Partner with an organization like the Red Cross to bring a CPR Training Course to your community.

• Partner with an adult expert on your advocacy issue and arrange to have him or her speak at your school, or to a group of engaged peers.

• Become a Concussion Epidemiologist as you help implement a concussion baseline testing program in your school.

• Help your school create or refine its concussion protocol through a Heads Up program.

HOT TIP: This is a great project for a teen who is interested in health, public health and community advocacy. It has the potential to make an enormous impact, and to raise your profile in the community.