StartUp PHL’s is giving out grant money again and this time, it’s all about the kids

StartUp PHL, the City of Philadelphia’s program to bolster entrepreneurship and tech, just put out its latest Call for Ideas.

Now on its sixth iteration, this time around the grant program is looking to bankroll ideas that connect youth to technology. But “tech” can mean a lot of things.

“Philadelphia’s students have a great deal of potential, and I believe our local tech community has what it takes to unleash that potential,” said the City’s Director of Entrepreneurial Investment Archna Sahay. “I would love to see applicants think outside the box with this prompt. Tech doesn’t just have to mean coding – this is an opportunity to teach young people about other areas of tech such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.”

Big News: Our latest Call for Ideas is open! This time it's all about connecting kids to tech ➡️ https://t.co/EP0PwSwXaL #PTW17 #PhillyTech pic.twitter.com/Y1tMWc1rP3

— StartupPHL (@StartupPHL) May 4, 2017

“When we talk about education and getting Philadelphia youth ready to start their careers or launch their own businesses, tech has to be part of that conversation,” said in a press release Commerce Director Harold Epps. “It is never too early to connect students with the tools they will need for long term success.”

In February, the six awardees from the previous round of grants were announced. Coded by Kids, the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvania were among the awardees.