About: The CAST-USA YEC (Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge) is one of the flagship programs of CAST-USA Education. It aims to promote STEM interdisciplinary education, innovation, collaboration, and communication skills among youth through creating and building technology projects and products. The top 10 finalists (one person or a team from each group) will be invited to the award ceremony at the Global innovation Summit & CAST-USA Annual Convention in October 2025. 
Structure: There are two regional contests held in the US and China respectively. The contestants of each region will fall under each of the two groups:
   1. Group 1: School students between grades 7th to 12th in the US or equivalent elsewhere
   2. Group 2: Undergraduates, graduates, or PhD students currently attending universities
Fees: 
   1. Early Bird: USD$45 (before 12/31/2024)
   2. Regular Application: USD$60
   3. Life-time Membership: complimentary
Language: English or Mandarin
Milestones:
   1. 12/31/2024: Early bird. Complete application and pay the discounted fee
   2. 1/31/2025: Complete application and pay the fee (refer to How to Apply below)
   3. 3/31/2025: Submit photos, product's slides (ppt), and video via [email protected]
   4. 4/15/2025: 1st round of regional contest with 5 minutes presentation and 3 minutes Q&A virtually
   5. 5/15/2025: Semi-final at regional contest virtually
   6. 6/15/2025: Final at global contest at a virtual setting or onsite
Scoring Criteria: The project needs to be innovative, independent and practical which potentially solves real world problems.
   1. Innovative 25%
   2. Practicality 25%
   3. Economic Value 25%
   4. Presentation 25%
Awards: (for each group)
   1. Gold Medal x 1
   2. Silver Medal x 2
   3. Bronze Medal x 7
   4. Certificate of Excellence x 10 
Benefits:
   1. The names of the contestants will be honorarily listed in the convention program booklet
   2. Showcase contestants talents at the national and international stage
   3. Become a member of the most prestigious Chinese professional organization
   4. Interact with the internationally recognized world class scientists and entrepreneurs
   5. Be inspired by others with innovative and creative young minds
   6. Help on college admission
How to Apply: (3 steps) 
   Step 1 Register: Fill out the application form below & click on "Submit" button
   Step 2 Payment: Select a payment type below and click on "Add to Cart" to pay (credit card or PayPal)
   Step 3 Submission: Email the applicant's photo, a copy of parent's active membership card (or apply via Membership page), applicant's bio, project description, presentation ppt slides , and 2 minutes presentation video to [email protected]. On the subject line, write "CAST-YEC" followed by the project title.
Contact: CAST-YEC Committee at [email protected]
Apply:
     Step 1: Complete Registration Form