Real Projects. Real Impact. Real Talent.
The Metrocrest Chamber is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring EPIC to our region — an exciting way for employers to connect with students through project-based learning that solves real business challenges.
What Is EPIC?
EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenges) gives employers the opportunity to present an authentic, real-world challenge to a team of students. Over the course of several weeks, those students work together to develop a solution — giving you fresh insights and giving them hands-on experience that builds skills for the future.
Why Should Employers Get Involved?
✅ Fresh Ideas
Students bring creativity, curiosity, and new perspectives to real issues your business is facing.
✅ Talent Pipeline
You’ll build relationships with future talent — and boost your brand as a leader in workforce development.
✅ No Cost, No Hassle
There’s no cost to participate, and we’ll guide you through the entire process.
✅ Employee Engagement
Your team can get involved as mentors or project sponsors — a great professional development opportunity.
What’s Involved?
Submit a Challenge – Think of a real business problem or opportunity
We Match You with Learners – Our education partners form student teams
Collaborate – Your team joins for kickoff, optional check-ins, and a final presentation
Get Results – Students present their solutions, and you provide feedback
Celebrate Success – Students receive digital credentials, and your business earns recognition
Sample Challenges:
Retail Operations: How can we improve inventory flow during peak times?
Marketing Campaign: How do we reach Gen Z audiences more effectively?
Sustainability: What steps can we take to reduce our carbon footprint?
If it’s a real challenge you care about, students can work on it.
Ready to Join?
We’re currently recruiting a limited number of employer partners for our first EPIC cohort. This is your chance to make a direct impact on students and benefit your business in the process.
📧 Contact us today to get started:
Michael Gallops – michael@metrocrestchamber.com
Bertina Green – bertina@metrocrestchamber.com
FAQs
What kinds of challenges can we submit?
Anything authentic and meaningful — marketing, operations, customer experience, HR, community engagement, and more.
How much time is involved?
Just a few key milestones — a kickoff, optional check-in, and a final presentation. We’ll support you every step of the way.
Is there a cost?
Nope. It’s completely free to participate.
What’s the end result?
You’ll get new ideas, students get real experience and a digital badge credential — and everyone wins.
