Chestnut Hill Student Wins Global Entrepreneur Challenge

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — A Springside Chestnut Hill Academy junior recently was named the winner of an entrepreneurship competition that included entrants from five countries.

Alexa Rhodes, with the help of her team Venture Accelorator, took the top prize in the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, winning a $5,000 college scholarship.

It was Rhodes's H.E.L.P.I.N.G. The Homeless Backpack project that earned her the win.

The project is based on Goal 10-Reduced Inequalities of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

"From the time I was little, I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how to or which group to help," Rhodes said. "I always knew I wanted to create a non-profit but didn’t know where to start. It wasn't until I noticed the number of people living on the streets in major cities that I realized how global the issue of homelessness was."

The project provides backpacks full of essential items to homeless individuals.

"Though just a simple backpack, we were able to see this team's effort, dedication, and commitment to make the community a better place," said Global Youth Entrepreneurship founder Sylvia He. "We can also see their understanding of real- world challenges as well as their willingness to take civic responsibilities. They delivered a vivid and convincing pitch with detailed and thoughtful research and work."

She was up against 120 participants from 26 high schools in the United States, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

High school students, ages 15to 19, were asked to solve a significant global problem through an innovative and sustainable enterprise idea. They also learned to apply their knowledge of science and technology practically.

Throughout the competition, each candidate was provided access to academic workshops, individualized coaching sessions, and an immersing 5-C global learning experience.

The program’s mission is to empower aspiring global young students with the mindset of
entrepreneurship, the skills for problem-solving, the grit for overcoming difficulties, and the goal
for lifelong learning through authentic learning approach.