YSIIC FAQ's

1. General Event Information

Q1: What is the Spreading Smiles Youth Social Impact Innovation Challenge?
The Innovation Challenge is a one-day, in-person youth leadership and social impact event where students work in teams to design practical solutions to real-world community issues and present them to a panel of judges.

Q2: Who is hosting the event?
The event is hosted by Spreading Smiles, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on leadership development and experiential learning.

Q3: When and where is the event?
Date: July 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – Evening (PST)
Location: Redmond or Bellevue, Washington (final venue details shared with registered teams)

Q4: Is this a coding competition?
No. This is a leadership and social impact challenge focused on creativity, feasibility, teamwork, and responsible use of tools including AI.

2. Eligibility & Team Requirements

Q5: Who can participate?
Students in Grades 6–12.

• Middle School: Grades 6–8

• High School: Grades 9–12

Q6: How many students are allowed per team?
Teams must consist of 2–4 students.

Q7: Do teammates need to be in the same grade group?
Yes. Teams should remain within their designated grade-level division (Middle School or High School).

Q8: Can a student participate alone?
No. Teams must include at least two students.

3. Challenge Structure

Q9: What topics can teams choose from?
Teams must choose one focus area:

• Education

• Mental Health & Wellness

• Community Development

• Environment

• Diversity

• Inclusion

Q10: What are students expected to create?
Students may design:

• Campaigns

• Products

• Services

• Initiatives or programs

Q11: Do students know the topics beforehand?
Yes. Teams choose their focus area before the event and prepare accordingly.

4. Use of AI & Technology

Q12: Are students allowed to use AI?
Yes. AI use is fully allowed and encouraged.

Q13: How can AI be used appropriately?
Students may use AI for:

• Brainstorming

• Research

• Structuring ideas

• Clarifying concepts
  

Q14: What is not allowed regarding AI?
AI may not replace student understanding. Teams must clearly demonstrate ownership of their ideas and decision-making.

Q15: How is AI evaluated?
Judges consider how effectively teams use time and tools, including AI, while showing originality and leadership.

5. Preparation Before Event Day

Q16: Is there training before the event?
Yes. Registered students and parents participate in virtual preparation sessions.

Q17: What do preparation sessions cover?

• Self-confidence and growth mindset

• Public speaking and storytelling

• Teamwork and ethical leadership

• Event expectations and schedule overview

Q18: Are preparation sessions required?
No, but participation is strongly encouraged to ensure readiness.

Q19: Do students need to know their topic ahead of time?
Students will choose from provided social impact themes at the event. Students may think about ideas in advance and prepare a direction, but judges will evaluate effective use of event time, teamwork, problem solving, and presentation. Teams should not build a fully completed project ahead of time.

6. Event Day Schedule

Q20: What time should teams arrive?
Exact arrival time will be shared with registered teams. Check-in typically begins before the official start.

Q21: What happens in the morning?

• Opening announcements

• Teams begin working immediately

• Brainstorming and solution development

• Poster creation and refinement

• Chin

Q22: How long do teams work on their solution?
Approximately three to four hours.

Q23: What happens in the afternoon?

• Transition to presentation format

• Formal team presentations

• Judge deliberation

• Awards and recognition ceremony

Q24: Is lunch provided?
Lunch availability depends on sponsors and budget. Final details will be shared with registered teams.

7. Judging & Awards

Q25: What are projects judged on?

• Innovation and creativity

• Real-world impact

• Feasibility

• Effective time usage

• Team collaboration

• Presentation clarity and confidence

Q26: Will everyone receive recognition?
Yes. All participants receive certificates.

Q27: What happens after a team wins?
Winning teams receive continued mentorship and potential connections to sponsors or entrepreneurs to help advance their idea.

8. Rules & Conduct

Q28: What are the team requirements?

• Teams must have 2–4 students

• All work must be original

• Professional and respectful conduct is required

Q29: What results in disqualification?

• Plagiarism

• Disruptive or inappropriate behavior

Q30: Can parents assist during the competition?
No. Parents may observe presentations but may not assist teams during work time.

9. Venue, Parking & Logistics

Q31: Where is the event located?
Redmond or Bellevue, Washington. Final venue details will be sent to registered participants.

Q32: Is parking available?
Yes. Parking instructions will be provided in the confirmation email once the venue is finalized.

Q33: Where do we unload materials?
Specific unloading instructions will be shared prior to the event.

Q34: Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restroom access will be available at the venue.

Q35: What will be provided?

• Workspace tables for each team

• Designated presentation space

• Structured challenge guidelines and judging criteria

• On-site event support and supervision

Q36: What can students bring?

• Laptops for research and project development

• Chargers for devices

• Notebooks, paper, pens, and pencils

• Water bottles and personal snacks

• Any simple materials needed to build a small prototype or visual model for their presentation

Students are encouraged to come prepared, organized, and ready to collaborate with their team.

10. Registration & Fees

Q37: What is the registration fee?
$50 per team.

Q38: Is the fee per student?
No, the $50 registration fee covers the entire team, which can include 2–4 students.

Q39: What does the registration fee support?
Event materials, venue costs, mentorship coordination, and student recognition.

11. Sponsors, Volunteers & Community Support

Q40: How can I sponsor or support the event?
Sponsorship and donation opportunities are available to support student prizes, materials, and mentorship programming.

Q41: What does the sponsorship or donation cover?
Your support helps provide:

• Price – $1,000 in total awards for winners

• Event Venue – a safe and welcoming space for students

• Materials & Supplies – for teams to plan, prototype, and present ideas

• Mentorship Opportunities – guidance from experienced entrepreneurs

• Certificates & Recognition – celebrating student achievements

Any contribution, big or small, is appreciated and will be highlighted. Your support will not be forgotten.

Q42: Can educators or professionals volunteer as mentors?
Yes. We welcome mentors and volunteers aligned with youth leadership and community impact.

Q43: Who should I contact for partnerships or additional questions?

If your question is not listed here, please contact us directly. We look forward to empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Email: spreadingsmileswa@gmail.com