Valley Innovation Project 2026

March 20 – March 27

The Valley Innovation Project (VIP) welcomes ALL Snoqualmie Valley’s 9th-12th grade students in the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts. VIP is led by the Snoqualmie Valley Innovation Center and Empower Youth Network’s Pathways to Employment Success program, with the support of both Districts CTE Departments, Chambers across the Valley, and Remlinger Farms (featured in 2024 at the first VIP). In 2025, we have taken the time to expand what this opportunity can offer, and we are thrilled to bring this event back bigger and better in 2026! Please see full student/guardian information below. Information for advisors, judges, and volunteers is past the student/guardian information section.

The VIP Competition takes place over a 1-week period, beginning on the Launch Day (March 20, 2026) when 4 teams will be formed, team advisors will be assigned, a business challenge scenario designated for each team, and all team members get acquainted. From Launch Day, throughout the week each team will independently work on brainstorming solutions and organizing a presentation for Competition Day (March 27, 2026).

Information for Student Participants and Parents/Guardians | Sign Up for VIP 2026 here!

In order to participate, students must attend Launch Day in-person on Friday, 03/20/2026 from 12 – 3:30 p.m. as well as Competition Day on Friday, 03/27/2026 from 12 – 3:30 p.m. and be available throughout that week to your team to execute tasks.
- Both Launch and Competition Day will take place at Remlinger Farms
- Lunch will be provided by Remlinger Farms and transportation will be provided by RSD and SVSD.
In 2026, we are expanding the industry options with FOUR businesses (to be announced soon).
You will be matched with a business to form a team of 5-8 students. There will be 4 teams.
Orientations will be provided prior to Launch Day (date/time TBD depending on students’ general availability).
Teams will be paired with experienced advisors to go from solving problems to presenting solutions.
Challenges could consist of providing marketing solutions, streamlining operations, finding ways to engage new audiences, etc.
Prizes and awards available, winning team has a chance to win scholarships to Saint Martin’s University.

Parent Information

Parent Guardian Permission Forms will be sent out upon completing the sign up.
All adult participants interacting with youth will go through a comprehensive background check provided by the district corresponding with their location (if an adult lives in the Riverview School District area, they will be checked through RSD; if an adult lives in the Snoqualmie Valley School District area, they will be checked through SVSD).

Information for Adult Participants (Businesses, Advisors, Judges, and Volunteers) | Apply to be a participant here!

VIP provides a platform to introduce our future workforce to entrepreneurial and leadership skills while working in teams to solve real-world business challenges experienced at four local organizations, featured as Business Case Studies that will present a challenge for students to work on solving. In addition to Business Case Studies, we also are currently seeking Business Advisors, General Advisors, Judges, and Event Volunteers. More details on each of these roles is available here.

Questions? Please contact Pathways to Employment Success Coordinator, Maddy Horn, at maddy@empoweryouthnetwork.org.

Real Impact. Real Stories!

“Remlinger Farms had a fantastic experience being part of the Valley Innovation Project and was thrilled to help kick off such an impactful initiative for students in our Valley schools. We loved the opportunity to serve as mentors, sharing real-world business challenges and watching these talented youth groups develop innovative solutions. Seeing their creativity and problem-solving skills in action was truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier to support a program that empowers the next generation of thinkers and leaders.” – Cheryl Paquette, Manager