This award is given to regions that go above and beyond to provide mentoring, build outreach programs with colleges and universities, and create strategic alliances in their local community.

Criteria

• Open Minds: Mentoring and college/university engagement, including extending NextUp to students, interns and emerging leaders by engaging them through programs and events.
• Develop Capacity: Local Alliances – establish, strengthen, and build community with local companies and/or other like-minded organizations in regional geographies to scale the mission and grow membership. Uses local alliances to engage communities through collaborative programming.
• Create Opportunity: Local Sponsorships – demonstrates a strong sponsorship program that secures and retains regional sponsors who invest in and commit to NextUp’s mission.