Real Projects. Real Impact. Real Talent.
The Metrocrest Chamber Foundation 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.
