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Circular Innovation Challenge

Discover your potential at Lewis & Clark’s Circular Innovation Challenge—a six-day entrepreneurship precollege summer program for high school students (rising 9th-12th graders) passionate about sustainability and innovation. Learn how to spark big ideas and bring them to life using creative tools like design thinking, lean startup methods, and the business model canvas. Develop creative business ideas, connect with mentors, and earn at least $20,000 in scholarships when you attend Lewis & Clark College.

Program Overview

  • Dates: July 12–17, 2026
  • Location: Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon
  • Tuition: $1,800 (includes food and lodging)
  • Priority Application Deadline: January 1, 2026
  • L&C Scholarship: At least $20,000 for admitted students who complete a precollege program

What Is the Circular Innovation Challenge?

The Circular Innovation Challenge is a precollege summer program for high school students interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation, and it takes place on Lewis & Clark’s beautiful college campus in Portland, Oregon, from July 12–17, 2026. The program is run by Lewis & Clark’s Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership.

Over six days, you will learn about the massive opportunities present for innovation in the “circular economy,” which is market space for businesses that prevent waste, circulate products through renewal, and develop new business models that create value without using finite resources. We’re committed to not just teaching processes for entrepreneurship and innovation, but entrepreneurship for a more sustainable future.

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Circular Innovation Challenge

Discover your potential at Lewis & Clark's Circular Innovation Challenge--a six-day entrepreneurship precollege summer program for hi...
Discover your potential at Lewis & Clark’s Circular Innovation Challenge—a six-day entrepreneurship precollege summer program for high school students.
Students love spending time on our beautiful campus—the perfect summer camp location!
Students love spending time on our beautiful campus—the perfect summer camp location!
Throughout the week, you will be inspired by Portland's best entrepreneurial leaders and connect with college student mentors.
Throughout the week, you will be inspired by Portland’s best entrepreneurial leaders and connect with college student mentors.
We've built an inclusive and transformative experience that includes inspirational speakers, mentorship, activities and challenges, the P...
We’ve built an inclusive and transformative experience that includes inspirational speakers, mentorship, activities and challenges, the Portland classics, and great (circular) prizes.
The camp directors were rated as “prepared and well-organized by 100 percent of summer 2025 participants.
The camp directors were rated as “prepared and well-organized” by 100 percent of summer 2025 participants.
100% of students from the 2025 Circular Innovation Challenge camp indicated they would recommend the program to a friend.
100% of students from the 2025 Circular Innovation Challenge camp indicated they would recommend the program to a friend.
Turn your ideas for a sustainable future into real ventures.
Turn your ideas for a sustainable future into real ventures.
Make professional and personal connections while gaining new skills!
Make professional and personal connections while gaining new skills!

  • 80%

    Eighty percent of summer 2025 students rated their skill advancement positively.

  • 100%

    100% of students from the 2025 Circular Innovation Challenge camp indicated they would recommend the program to a friend.

  • 100%

    The camp directors were rated as “prepared and well-organized” by 100 percent of summer 2025 participants. 

What Will Students Learn?

Throughout the week, you will be inspired by Portland’s best entrepreneurial leaders and connect with college student mentors, where you will learn strategies for ideation and innovation, including lean startup methodology and the business model canvas. We’ve built a transformative experience that will include inspirational speakers, mentorship, challenges, and fun Portland outdoor adventures. The week culminates in a team pitch competition with prizes.

Real-World Skill Development

  • Conducting business case studies and interviewing sustainability leaders
  • Understanding circular economy principles and key industry sectors
  • Strategically using AI tools for research, branding, and analysis
  • Developing and iterating on product prototypes based on real feedback
  • Validating business models using customer research and data
  • Collaborating on creative teams to pitch bold, future-facing solutions
  • Practicing public speaking through short, high-impact “lightning pitches” 
10000

  • I will apply this knowledge as I want to start my own business. I will also be taking over my parents’ small business, so this really taught me ways to grow.

    Summer 2025 Student

  • The camp was so amazing. L&C really put in so much work setting us up with amazing speakers that inspired me.

    Summer 2025 Student

  • Everything was just perfect about this program. I learned so much from all the speakers, and they were all engaging and interesting. What I also liked about the program is that there was almost never a dull moment. I also loved the field trips because it’s one thing just talking about a textile recycling factory, but then actually visiting it and taking a tour just puts it into perspective how big of an impact they make on the world.

    Summer 2025 Student

  • This experience was overall incredible and I’m very glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and came here. The content, field trips, group work, etc. was very rewarding and inspirational.

    Summer 2025 Student

  • I have very much enjoyed the process of learning about circularity and sustainability in a capitalist system. The camp was very fun and I feel like I understand what college life and L&C would feel like.

    Summer 2025 Student

  • Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity! I learned so much from this experience and fell in love with Lewis & Clark! I especially loved that we went on field trips to the gorge and downtown Portland while also staying on campus. The various mentors helped so much on our project and I think they prepared us for the project well!

    Summer 2025 Student

How Can I Apply?

Apply using this online application. Applications submitted by January 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration for admission. Applications received after this date will be admitted on a rolling basis, as space allows. Participation will be capped at 39 students.

How Much Does it Cost?

The program fee is $1,800. This price covers all on-campus activities, housing, full meal plan and transportation to and from the airport as needed.

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Earn at Least $20,000 in Scholarship Funds to Attend L&C

Students who complete a precollege summer program and are later admitted to L&C will get preferential consideration for merit-based aid and are guaranteed to receive a minimum of $20,000/year in renewable scholarship funding in the form of a Sequoia or Oregon Maple scholarship.

Sequoia or Oregon Maple academic merit scholarships granted at the time of admission will already take into account any participation in a Lewis & Clark precollege summer program for high school students. Students with strong academic credentials who attend a precollege summer program and are later admitted to Lewis & Clark may find they are eligible for a Sequoia or Oregon Maple scholarship that exceeds the $20,000/year guaranteed minimum!

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