KANSAS CITY—The second annual MECA Challenge kicks off Thursday with roughly 40 high school and college students headed to the Kansas City Startup Village to help solve real world business problems for local companies.
Beginning on Thursday evening, students will partner with local companies to dip their toes into what it’s like to work for a startup. The Challenge continues during the day on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5, with final presentations beginning at 2 p.m. to see what students created over the weekend.
The students participating in the second annual Challenge will work to solve problems for six local startups, including LittleHoots, Knoda, FitBark, Leap.it, VeriQuik and SquareOffs.
“We have no doubt that the students will blow our minds again this year with their fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to real business problems,” KCSV co-founder and MECA Challenge organizer Adam Arredondo said in a press release.
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In addition to the work they do for the companies, students will have access to relevant speakers and industry mentors. This year’s speakers include former Kansas City, Kan., mayor Joe Reardon, professional storyteller Laura Packer, and Bishop-McCann’s CEO and co-founder Dan Nilsen.
The MECA Challenge final presentations will be held Sunday, Oct. 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse, 1400 Main St. The presentations are free and open to the public. Interested in attending? RSVP online.
