Why This Matters for Young People Like Me.

Over the last few weeks I've been in a co-working environment surrounded by other adults, and constantly I am faced with a surprised look after telling someone I run my own business. "Wow, that's very impressive for a high school student" is included in a majority of the responses. While I attempt to be proud at this accomplishment, I find myself feeling almost the exact opposite: ashamed. Not ashamed because of what I did, but ashamed of how those in an older generation view mine. 
In pitch competitions, such as Teen Pitch Tank (2016 Winner), or the University of Iowa's BizInnovator (Finalist and Honorable Mention 2016 and Finalist 2017), I always start out my pitch with the problem I identified: too many youth in my generation do not realize the impact they can make in the world. Yes, there are so many wonderful components to Champions for Charity, but the driving force behind the organization is in our efforts to make young people believe, be empowered, impact. 
I see Champions for Charity as a beacon for other young people like me to realize their potentials, to activate their passions, and to serve as a vehicle for our participants to see their dreams of making an impact come to life. So to all of the young entrepreneurs, and to my generation in general: let Champions for Charity show you that your age does not define your potential. Show the world that just because we are young, does not mean we should stand to the side and watch. Be active. Engage in your communities, in local businesses, in politics, in bettering the world around you. Make an impact.
-Andrew Roth
Founder, CEO
Champions for Charity