Take the Innovation Pledge

Be part of a statewide community of educators, companies, and leaders creating brighter futures through real-world innovation.

What is the Innovation Pledge?

The Innovation Pledge is an invitation to partner with classrooms! Pledge partners combine funding, mentorship, and community to spark innovation and opportunity for students.

Pledge Partners Commit to….

  • A starting investment of $2,500, with funds directly supporting STARTedUP Foundation programming

  • Volunteering a minimum of 2 hours per year through highly interactive opportunities like being a in-class guest speaker or hands-on mentoring sessions.

  • Joining a statewide movement of leaders and futurists across education, business, and innovation, culminating in a private event where pledge partners connect, celebrate impact, and prepare for State Finals.

    • Help students see opportunities in every challenge.

    • Equip students with problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills.

    • Connect classrooms with local business ecosystems.

    • Create a culture of action, creativity, and real-world learning.

    • Turn schools into Innovation Hubs, where real-world challenges are solved with fresh ideas and bold solutions.

  • Anyone who believes in the power of youth entrepreneurship.

    • ✔️ Individuals

    • ✔️ Sponsors

    • ✔️ Small businesses

    • ✔️ Large corporations

    • ✔️ Alumni & mentors

    No matter who you are, your commitment creates opportunity.

  • People take the Innovation Pledge because they want to do more than give, they want to make a commitment and a difference.

    The Pledge is an opportunity to go beyond sponsorship and have a direct, lasting impact on the next generation of problem solvers.

    Pledge Partners contribute time, energy, and expertise. They build real relationships, mentor future innovators, and help shape an ecosystem full of creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial thinking.

    Sponsorship fuels the work. The Pledge shapes the future. You can do both!

How It Works

Taking the Innovation Pledge starts with a simple step: raising your hand. From there, you’ll get personal guidance, resources, and support to step into the role that fits you best.

  • Let us know you're ready to take the pledge by completing the interest form. This doesn’t lock you into anything, it just starts the conversation!

  • You’ll hear directly from our team who will walk you through the next steps, answer your questions, and tailor your involvement to your time, goals, and region.

  • As a pledge partner, you'll be onboarded and receive access to our Pledge Partner Toolkit. This resource is packed with everything you need to feel supported and ready to go.

  • From mentoring students to speaking in classrooms, you’ll engage directly where your expertise matters most. You’ll also receive a badge and toolkit to showcase your commitment and celebrate your place in this movement.

Sponsorship or Pledge
What’s the Difference?

Sponsorship is a financial investment in our mission, and it makes an impact.

The Innovation Pledge goes a step further. It says, “We’re all in.”

It’s a public commitment of both time and resources, showing that you (and/or your company) are deeply dedicated to this cause. It connects you to a network of other changemakers who are equally invested in transforming education.

Pledge investments also count toward any sponsorship tier you choose, so you can be both a Sponsor and a Pledge Partner for even greater visibility and impact.

Not ready for the hands-on part yet? You can still make a difference through sponsorship alone; get in touch with our team to see how.

The Role Pledge Partners Play

You Fuel Access Through Funding

Your financial commitment goes directly to programs like the Innovation Accelerator, helping level the playing field for students with bold ideas but limited resources. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and removes barriers.

You Join a Community That Cares

You’ll collaborate with like-minded leaders, educators, business owners, and change makers. All of whom believe in empowering the next generation through hands-on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Your time, expertise, and presence make you more than a supporter. You become a foundational resource for students and teachers. Whether you anchor one classroom or many, you help shape what’s possible. This is how real change happens. And it starts with you.

You Become a Pillar in the Innovation Hub

Our work is powered by people like you.

Mentors, builders, and believers who roll up their sleeves and redefine what education can look like.

Together, we’re building a future where students see opportunities everywhere, and have the people and programs in place to pursue it.

We’d be honored to have you join us.