In Stage 1, the review and judging panels scored submissions against the Stage 1 criteria. Five finalists were selected to receive prizes and progress to Stage 2.
Selection criteria
Stage 1 Criteria
Analytics and insights
Extent to which the entrant identifies relevant data points — such as user, usage, and outcomes data — to inform continuous tool improvements and advance the adult ed sector’s understanding of effective career navigation practices.
Impact
Extent to which the tool has the potential to improve career navigation for adult learners — including through increased self-awareness, career knowledge, confidence, and/or job attainment in high-growth, high-wage industries.
Integration
Extent to which the entrant plans to integrate with existing local workforce systems and tools, including through partnerships with adult education providers and/or industry.
Learner centricity
Extent to which the entrant demonstrates an understanding of their target adult learners’ specific needs — such as literacy, tech-proficiency, and access to technology.
Scalability
Extent to which the tool has the potential to be scaled to impact a meaningful number of adult learners beyond the challenge.
Market readiness
Level of confidence that the tool will be market ready by the end of Stage 2 — with reference to the fidelity of the prototype, the team’s expertise, and the Stage 2 build and user testing plan.
In Stage 2, the judging panel scored finalist submissions against the Stage 2 criteria.
Stage 2 Criteria
Analytics and insights
Extent to which the entrant demonstrates a plan to collect and share data to inform continuous tool improvements and advance the adult ed sector’s understanding of effective career navigation practices.
Impact
Extent to which the entrant demonstrates how their tool will improve career navigation for adult learners — such as increased self-awareness, career knowledge, confidence, and/or job attainment in high-growth, high-wage industries.
Integration
Extent to which the tool will effectively integrate with local systems, including through partnerships with adult education providers and/or industry, and compatibility with existing datasets and tools.
Learner centricity
Extent to which the tool design, content, and deployment plan reflect target adult learners’ needs, as informed by rigorous user testing.
Scalability
Extent to which the entrant articulates a plan to deploy and scale the tool to impact a meaningful number of adult learners following the challenge.
Sustainability
Extent to which the entrant demonstrates the skills, resources, and commitment to maintain, update, and grow their tool beyond the challenge.