Harrington said Diamond Challenge contestants are able to meet like-minded and motivated peers from a far more diverse range of backgrounds than the average high school student.
“It was a really fun experience,” Panama International School senior Antonio Dominguez said of the 2024 competition. Mr. Dominguez headed the VOTA Panama operations team, which aims to inform the country’s voters. (Later won the Horn Award in the Social Innovation category).
“I have had the opportunity to meet many talented people, many passionate young people,” he said. “We want to make a difference in the world.”
“I think it’s really important for students, especially in Delaware and the surrounding area, to have a global perspective,” Freeman said.
The Diamond Challenge also spotlights Delaware and its flagship university.
“[It’s] great way for [contestants] To connect and understand the great things happening here at UD,” Harrington said.
Freeman said former competitors have enrolled at Lerner and other colleges at UD.
“Part of our goal is to introduce creative, innovative and entrepreneurial students into every major at the university,” he said.
The final summit event is more than just pitching to the judges. It also creates opportunities for socializing and learning. Attendees were able to relax with cornhole and a giant Jenga set. At the briefing, we had the opportunity to hear how generative AI can be used to enhance customer research, as well as listen to a panel of investors share their insights on what venture capital firms are looking for.
Team leaders benefit as well. Allwin Breiner, an innovation teacher at Panama International School who led Dominguez’s team, said teachers who promote experiential learning often feel isolated and discouraged.
“But it warms my heart to come here and see kids coming up with next-level ideas that can change lives,” he said.
He calls the Diamond Challenge a chance to reset and rebuild his passion, something he strives to spread across Latin America.
Briner, who is originally from India and has worked all over the world, said the competition can also be life-changing for students, giving them opportunities and connections they wouldn’t have had otherwise. He said prize money alone can have a big impact, especially in other economies. The top winner of the contest will win $12,000.
“The biggest reason I love the Diamond Challenge more than any other high school challenge is definitely the feedback,” Breiner said. Teams can get valuable input from judges on what to work on from an early stage. “That’s a game changer.”
Freeman thanked the sponsoring companies as well as the many judges who provided their input throughout the contest.
“Programs like this cannot happen without strong support from the broader community,” he said.
For more information about the Diamond Challenge, including a list of winners, please visit the Lerner College website.
