Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) is an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and is made possible by the generous support of American Student Assistance (ASA), the Walton Family Foundation, and the Stand Together Trust. EPIC provides learners and workers with access to authentic, employer-sponsored project-based learning through a network of business associations and other challenge providers. EPIC provides employers, as well as education and workforce development partners with a standardized platform to scale and credential employer-sponsored challenges that support career awareness, exploration, and development. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is working with its national network of business associations and employers to make authentic project-based learning available at scale.

EPIC is designed to provide students with: ➔ Experience the STEM-industry. ➔ Hands-on career learning experience, ➔ Digital durable skills credential for resume or LinkedIn. ➔ Preparation for future internships.

Your EPIC team will receive a direct invitation to an exclusive webinar designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Riipen platform, a chance to connect with other members of this community of practice, and next steps to get started in your EPIC Riipen portal. Students participate in a project-based learning & field research learning challenge. Four to five students per work group will solve an employer-provided problem question. The deliverable is a group presentation that showcases the solution and implementation plan for the employer. 5 modules to be completed in 8-15 weeks.

Students can earn micro-credentials and durable skills. Durable skills are essential non-technical skills, including soft skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, as well as character skills like fortitude, growth mindset, and leadership. Micro-credentials are digital badges for students' LinkedIn resumes or portfolios.

Please check out Global Leadership Academy for Homeschoolers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/641708793057296.