About YEC: 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. 
Eligibility: All school students around the globe in 7-12th grade in Fall 2022 or grades equivalent outside US can apply. The project is required to be innovative and independently built,  practical towards the real world problem solving.   
Scoring Criteria: Innovative: 25%, Practicality: 25% , Economic Value: 25%, Presentation: 25%
Prizes: (for each of the two groups, junior high 7-9 grades and senior high 10-12 grades)
    1. US$350  Gold Medal x1
    2. US$200  Silver Medal x2
    3. US$100  Bronze Medal x7
    4. Certificate of Excellence x10
Fees: (non-refundable)
    1. CAST-USA Family Member: USD$60 due 8/31
    2. Non CAST-USA Family Member: USD$80 due 8/31
  Apply for Membership for the parents in order for their children to benefit from the discount immediately.
Milestones:
    1. 7/31/2022: Early registration and payment, only need to complete 2 out of the 3 steps application process. Refer to "How to Apply" section below.
    2. 8/31/2022: Regular registration, payment, and submission of application. Due for all applicants to complete the 3 steps application process. Refer to "How to Apply" section below. 
    3. 9/10/2022: The CAST-YEC Committee announces the finalists
    4. 9/20/2022: The finalists present in front of judges for 5 mins followed by 3 mins Q&A
    5. 10/15/2022: The awardees to attend the Award Ceremony at the 30th CAST-USA Annual Convention
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 name.
Contact: CAST-YEC Committee at [email protected]
Apply:
     Step 1: Complete Registration Form