BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Pop-Tarts, Kellogg Co. and United Way Worldwide are launching the Rep My City Challenge – an innovative contest that will provide ten winners with $5,000 each to the most innovative ideas that can help better their community.

The challenge asks young people ages 13-22 to develop a creative way to address the issue that has the greatest effect on friends and families in their community. Ideas might tackle local food insecurity, the need for after-school activities, crime in their neighborhood, mental health issues, or others.

Rep My City Challenge applications are being accepted now through December 31, 2019 via a special microsite. Winners will be announced in January 2020.

Rep My City Challenge applications can take the form of a written story, a video, or an illustration to address the following questions:

1. What’s the issue or problem you’d like to help address in your community?
2. What’s your Big Idea to help address the issue?
3. When would your project take place?
4. Who will you partner with to help succeed? (i.e., your local United Way, a local non-profit, your school or church)
5. How will you know the project has been a success?

“Through the Rep My City Challenge, we hope to inspire young people to use their creativity and curiosity to drive real change,” said Joe Beauprez, Pop-Tarts marketing director. “Pop-Tarts is creating better days by empowering our future leaders to get involved today, and make a positive difference locally.”

“Building strong communities is in United Way’s DNA and we are excited to partner with Pop-Tarts to engage a new generation of community-builders with the Rep My City Challenge,” said William Browning, chief transformation officer, United Way Worldwide. “We look forward to seeing what ideas these young people come up with to improve their hometown.”

The Rep My City Challenge contributes towards Kellogg’s Better Days commitment to create better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. For more information about the Rep My City Challenge, visit the program website.