Brought to you by the Human Services Program

COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING CHALLENGE

SUMMARY:

Practice real-world skills (research, interviewing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communicating your ideas) to address a real problem in your community.

ELIGIBILITY:

■ Participants must be in 9th – 12th grade and may attend a recognized school or be homeschooled

■ Participants must reside in one of the following Indiana Counties: Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, or Owen

■ This is an individual challenge, so participants must each complete their own unique plan.

THE CHALLENGE

YOUR TASK:

Choose a problem in your community and create a plan to address it.

This is your idea, and you can choose anything you want! However, keep in mind that smaller, specific problems will be more manageable.

Step 1: Talk to People Who Care (Stakeholders)

■ Identify 3 or more people affected by the problem or working on it.

■ Ask them about the problem: Why does it matter? What ideas do they have?

■ Write down what you learned.

Step 2: Find the Facts (Research the Problem)

■ Collect at least 5 pieces of reliable data (articles, reports, websites, government info).

■ Summarize what the data shows about the size and impact of the problem.

Step 3: Learn from Other Communities (Case Examples)

■ Find 2–3 examples of how other communities solved a similar problem.

■ Note what strategies worked and what didn’t.

■ Think about what could apply to your community.

Step 4: Design a Solution (Your Plan)

■ Write a clear solution to the problem.

■ Explain how it would help and who would be involved.

■ List the key steps needed to make it happen.

Step 5: Fund Your Idea (Find Support)

■ How can you fund your idea? Where will the money come from?

FINAL PRODUCT:

·       Create a short presentation (poster, slideshow, or paper) that shows your work for each step.

·   A short biography paragraph and picture of yourself to be used if you are selected as a winner

·   The signed waiver (note: if you are under 18, your legal guardian must also sign)

HOW TO SUBMIT

 Due Date:  Friday, March 6

Format: Submissions must be made using a gmail account.  Submit Here

Please complete the Use of Image waiver as part of your submission - if you are a minor your parent/guardian must also sign.

Adult Waiver

Minor Waiver  

 If you experience trouble with your submission - please reach out to Sarah Nagy snagy6@ivytech.edu

WINNERS

Winners will be selected by committee and will be announced in April 2026

·       First Place: $200 gift card

·       Second Place: $100 gift card

·       Third Place: $50 gift card