Today, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg Company and United Way Worldwide have awarded local teen Caroline Sentell and Courtney Byington a $5,000 grant as part of the recent Rep My City Challenge – a contest that awards young people ages 13-22 with the most inventive ideas that can help better their community.
Caroline and Courtney won for their idea to have a Career and Technical Education class at Knox County Schools in partnership with local nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to make beds and bedding for area homeless youth.
“The Rep My City Challenge empowered young people to think differently and use their imagination to make a positive impact locally,” said Joe Beauprez, Pop-Tarts Marketing Director. “Caroline and Courtney and their class will help improve the quality of life for many children in Knoxville by providing something as basic as a bed, blanket and pillow they can call their own.”
“United Way has always welcomed the ideas of our next generation. The quality of submissions we received in the Rep My City Challenge was impressive, and highlights how young people can drive real solutions to community problems,” said William Browning, Chief Transformation Officer, United Way Worldwide. “We look forward to implementing some of their ideas, and encouraging their passion to continue making a difference in their community.”
The Rep My City Challenge asked young people ages 13-22 to develop a creative way to address the issue that has the greatest effect on friends and families in their community. Submissions included ideas to address local food insecurity, the need for after-school activities, crime in their neighborhood, mental health issues, or others.
Through this endeavor, Pop-Tarts is creating better days by motivating tomorrow’s leaders to create positive change in their communities today. The Rep My City Challenge contributes towards Kellogg’s Better Days commitment to create better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. To read about all 10 winning Rep My City Challenge entries, visit the program website.
