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Phase: Research Missions: IDENTIFY SUCCESS

Crowd-funded transcontinental train journey that pairs young innovators & mentors

Millennials pitch a project, crowd-fund their train ticket & hitch a train ride across the country to carry their project out with the advice of mentors along the way.

Photo of Leigh Cullen
21 16

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Website:
millennialtrain.co

What is it:
"The Millennial Trains Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that leads crowd-funded transcontinental train journeys for diverse groups of young innovators to explore America's new frontiers."

Mission:
"Our mission is to enable participants and virtual audiences to identify, evaluate, and explore emerging opportunities and challenges in communities where our trains stop while advancing a project that benefits, serves, and inspires others."

Explained:
  1. Millennial applicants each pitch a project they'd like to investigate & build upon.
  2. Applicants crowdfund their ticket price.
  3. Winners are selected. In each city along the journey route, a creative space is established and the millennials learn about "local innovation" and "advance their projects."
  4. On-train mentors give advice along the way.

A pretty cool, modern, successful idea!

Check out this similar post by Karolle:
https://openideo.com/challenge/youth-employment-pathways/research/jagriti-yatra-national-train-journey-to-prepare-youth-to-build-a-better-india

 

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21 comments

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Photo of David Brightbill

I really like this idea. The trip will provide opportunities for both networking and associative thinking. Stopping in at makerspaces, incubators, etc. will be excellent for both the travelers and those they visit.

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