Culture Is Currency National Challenge

3 students working behind a computer and 1 is wearing a VR headset

National HSI STEAM Innovation Challenge

 

Turn Culture Into Creativity. Stories Into Innovation. Ideas Into Impact.

 

Join the Culture is Currency National HSI STEAM Innovation Challenge, a dynamic opportunity for students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to explore the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, technology, and storytelling while highlighting the journeys of real entrepreneurs in the Chicago community. Selected participants will have the opportunity to win prizes and gain national recognition for their work.

Powered by California State University Northridge (CSUN) and a national network of HSI Innovation Hubs, including UIC, this grant-funded experience provides students with mentorship, hands-on learning, and the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset while creating something meaningful.

RSVP for the Challenge Launch Event 




  



    

    
      




  
  

  
    

                  
  

    

      

                    One big question
              

    

    

  

          
            



  
	
At the center of the challenge is one big question:




How can we transform cultural value into an opportunity for ourselves and our communities?






Students can select a specific pathway to create a solution for:


 


    

  • Create a Side Hustle – Turn an idea, skill, talent, or community need into something that creates value.
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  • Build Financial Knowledge & Intentional Habits – Explore how financial choices can create new possibilities for your future.
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  • Document Culture as an Innovation Asset – Capture stories, traditions, knowledge, and experiences that can inspire new ideas and opportunities.
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  • Redefine Wealth – Identify assets that already exist within your culture, family, or community and explore how they can create lasting value.
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  • Shape the Future Through Financial Choices – Examine how decisions about money and resources can reflect your values and support your goals.
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                    Build real-world skills
              

    

    

  

          
            



    

  Culture is Currency HSI Innovation Hub logo graphic
  

  
	
Using Apple technology and creative tools, your final solution could take many forms—a film or podcast, a business or side-hustle concept, a digital map, a visual story, a financial choice analysis, or a community-centered solution.


Along the way, you’ll build real-world skills in:


    

  • Innovation & Design Thinking – Identify meaningful challenges and move from questions to actionable solutions.
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  • Digital Media & Technology – Use Apple technology and creative applications to develop polished digital projects.
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  • Financial Literacy & Empowerment – Explore how financial knowledge, habits, and choices can create greater personal and community opportunity.
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  • Research & Discovery – Investigate issues through research, interviews, observation, and hands-on exploration.
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  • Culture & Community Engagement – Examine how your lived experiences, family, culture, and community can become sources of insight and innovation.
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  • Entrepreneurship & Career Readiness – Transform ideas into concepts, projects, and experiences that can support future education, careers, and ventures.
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  • Communication & Storytelling – Learn to communicate your ideas clearly, creatively, and persuasively.
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                    Program elements
              

    

    

  

          
            



    
    
              
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    Identify
    
          
    
            
    Identify an area of interest:
    

      

    • Develop a side hustle that adds value
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    • Build financial literacy
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    • Document culture to shape the future
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    • Recognize strengths of culture, family, or community
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    • Redefine wealth
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    Investigate
    
          
    
            
    Investigate the selected area of interest through research, interviews, and technology skill-building.
    

          
    
        
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    Create
    
          
    
            
    Create and share a tangible solution or digital product (film, podcast, business concept, community-centered solution, etc.)
    

          
    
        
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Questions? Please contact uicinnovationcenter@uic.edu.