Innovation Award (Student Competition)

Innovation Award

Student competition challenging college students to develop forward-thinking solutions to affordable housing challenges across the region.

Program History: Launched in 2024; now in second year (2025). Sponsored by Pearl Society donors.

Geographic Scope: Charlotte region; open to area colleges and universities

Eligibility:

• College and university student teams from area institutions
• Recent participants: Central Piedmont Community College, Haywood Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Focus Areas:

• Creative approaches to affordable housing issues
• Adaptive reuse solutions
• Forward-thinking housing solutions

Awards:

• First Place: $5,000 scholarship
• Second Place: $2,500 scholarship
• Third Place: $1,500 scholarship
• Realtors' Choice Award: $1,000 (voted by Realtors®)
• Total Pool: $10,000 in scholarships

Program Process:

• September: Student Boot Camp
• November: Team presentations before panel of industry experts
• Judges deliberate and award scholarships

Mentors Provided: Yes, each student team receives assistance from mentors

2025 Results:

• First Place: Johnson C. Smith University
• Second Place: Central Piedmont Community College
• Third Place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Realtors' Choice: Central Piedmont Community College

Funding Source: Pearl Society members

Contact Information:

• Email: foundation@canopyrealtors.com
• Phone: 704-940-3148
• Website: canopyhousingfoundation.org

Application Process

1. Team Formation
   • Student teams organize from area colleges/universities
   • Each team receives mentor support throughout competition
2. Boot Camp Participation
   • Attend student Boot Camp (typically September)
   • Receive training and guidance on challenge topic
3. Develop Solution
   • Work with assigned mentors
   • Develop creative, forward-thinking approach to affordable housing challenge
   • Prepare presentation of team's concept
4. Presentation
   • Present team concept before panel of industry experts
   • Typically held in November
5. Judging and Awards
   • Panel of judges deliberates
   • Winners announced
   • Scholarships awarded to team members

Challenge Topic (2025)

• Identify approaches to solving affordable housing problems through adaptive reuse concept

Required Materials

• Team presentation of housing solution concept
• Evidence of mentor collaboration

Selection Process

• Industry expert panel judges presentations
• Separate Realtor® vote for Realtors' Choice Award
• Winners selected based on innovation and feasibility