The challenge will be conducted in two stages. Key dates are highlighted below.
Timeline
Stage 1
Submissions open
September 23, 2022
Entrants invited to submit prototypes and accompanying proposals for digital tools that will improve the career navigation experience for adult learners.
Virtual information session
October 13, 2022
The U.S. Department of Education and the Future Finder team host a virtual information session to share more about the challenge and answer entrant questions.
Virtual panel
November 10, 2022
The Future Finder team host a virtual panel discussion with subject matter experts.
Submissions close
December 15, 2022
Submissions close on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Finalists announced
Early 2023
Five finalists receive $50,000 each and an invitation to join the Stage 2 accelerator.
Stage 2
We are here
Accelerator
Early 2023 - fall 2023
Finalists participate in a virtual accelerator, which offers access to virtual resources, mentorship from experts, and other support to help them build and test their tools. The accelerator kicks off with an in-person boot camp (conditions permitting).
Judging
Fall 2023
Finalists submit their market-ready tools and accompanying proposals for review and present at the live demo day. A judging panel reviews submissions against the Stage 2 criteria.
Winners announced
Fall 2023
One grand-prize winner will receive $500,000, and up to two runners-up will receive a share of at least $250,000.
Beyond the challenge
Deployment
Beginning in late 2023
The Future Finder team supports winners as they deploy their solutions across the adult ed ecosystem. This will include providing guidance around marketing strategies as well as customizable templates for communications materials.