THE BLUE JEAN CHALLENGE
Step Up and Lead: The Blue Jean Challenge (BJC)©
Are you ready to inspire change, amplify your voice, and make a real difference? The Blue Jean Challenge (BJC)© is your opportunity to step into leadership and transform your community! Designed for students entering the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades from communities of color with lower socioeconomic status, BJC empowers YOU to lead the way.
What’s in it for YOU?
- Discover Your Voice: Learn self-awareness and advocacy as you champion a social cause close to your heart.
- Make an Impact: Bring attention to local non-profits and social impact partners while making a real difference in your community.
- Earn While You Learn: Gain valuable student service learning hours as you apply your unique gifts and skills in meaningful ways.
Build Life-Changing Skills
- Time management, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Interpersonal communication and work ethic
- Creativity, attention to detail, and leadership
- Administration, marketing, and customer service
- Writing, design, presentation, and computer skills
A Challenge Like No Other
Through three dynamic rounds, you’ll creatively apply your newfound skills, build partnerships with local leaders, and pave the way for college and career success—all while fostering social responsibility.
The journey culminates in the Blue Jean Challenge Finale, a pageant-style competition where the best of the best compete to become our BJC Advocate of the Year! As the Advocate of the Year, you’ll represent BJC, champion your cause, and inspire others to lead until the next winner is crowned.
Who Can Join?
Students from public middle and high schools, academies, Montessori schools, special centers, and charter schools who meet the grade requirements are invited to compete in Round One. Don’t miss this chance to shine—whether you participate in the full challenge or not!
Take the Challenge—Change Your World
Don’t just dream about making a difference—live it! Apply for the Blue Jean Challenge today and become part of a movement that’s shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Are you ready to be the change? Let’s go!
Showcasing Your Journey: Step Into Round One
Time to step up and make moves! After completing our "Better YOU Training", you’ll get your own spotlight on our website—a profile page that shows off your Blue Jean Challenge (BJC) journey. This is your chance to let your network of family, friends, and community know what you’re about and rally them to support your mission. Here’s the deal: The more sponsorships you lock in within the set time frame, the closer you are to securing your spot in Round Two of the Challenge. This is where passion meets action. Ready to show everyone what you’re capable of? Let’s make it happen!
Make Your Passion Your Purpose: Step Into Round Two
Now’s your chance to get hands-on with what matters most. In this round, it’s all about choosing a cause you’re passionate about—a cause that lights a fire in you—and taking action to make an impact. We’ve got your back as you link up with an organization tackling your chosen cause. You’ll put in the work, completing community service hours that matter while gaining real-world experience that leaves a mark. Here’s the hustle: The more hours you put in, the closer you get to leveling up to Round Three. Show up, show out, and prove you’re ready to make moves for change.
Unite for a Greater Cause: Be the Change with Artistic Empowerment Centers
It’s time to team up and show what collective action can do. Each year, Artistic Empowerment Centers chooses a corporate cause that’s ready for a spotlight, and Round Three is where you get to shine. You’ll roll with the AEC family to: - Learn about the cause and why it matters, - Put your gifts and skills to work in ways that make real change happen, and - Tackle big challenges through creative solutions, project management, and hands-on support! This is where you go all in—connecting your talents with purpose, delivering results, and showing the world that when we move together, we move mountains. Are you ready to make a difference that hits hard? Let’s get it!
Your Moment to Shine: Compete for Your Spot in the Blue Jean Challenge Finale
Get ready to showcase your journey and stand out as a leader! In this pivotal stage, participants will create and submit a dynamic presentation that tells their story of growth, impact, and collaboration. Your presentation will highlight: - Self-Awareness: Your transformative journey from Round One - Community Service: The passion and purpose you poured into your chosen cause in Round Two - Social Responsibility: The teamwork and innovation you demonstrated with AEC in Round Three The top twelve contestants who deliver the most compelling and creative presentations will advance to the Blue Jean Challenge Finale—the ultimate stage to shine as a leader, advocate, and change-maker! This is your chance to inspire, influence, and make your mark. Are you ready to rise to the challenge? The spotlight is waiting!
Own the Stage: The Blue Jean Challenge Finale
Get Ready to Bring the Heat—It’s Time to Own the Spotlight! The Blue Jean Challenge is back and better than ever. This isn’t just a one-time showdown—it’s an annual tradition, a stage where passion meets purpose with unmatched energy and swagger. Year after year, trailblazers like YOU step up, tell your story, and show the world what you’re made of. This is your moment. You’ve leveled up through Rounds One, Two, and Three. Now, it’s time to take everything you’ve learned, every move you’ve made, and every ounce of fire in your soul to the ultimate pageant-style competition. Here’s some of what’s going down: - Onstage Interview: Speak your truth, rep your cause, and let your voice resonate. - Impromptu Question: Prove your quick-thinking skills and authenticity under pressure. - Talent Showcase: Let your unique skills shine and electrify the crowd. And here’s the twist: This isn’t about swimsuit walks—it’s about denim and purpose! Contestants will hit the runway in their custom Blue Jean creations, each representing a chosen cause. As you strut your stuff, your essay—your story, your journey, and the impact of your cause—will be read aloud, inspiring everyone in the room and leaving a legacy. But wait, the stage is just the finale. Your journey speaks volumes before you even step under the spotlight: - Self-awareness: Remember the breakthroughs from Round One, where you discovered your “why.” - Community impact: Reflect on the powerful connections and change you brought in Round Two. - Collaboration and leadership: Relive the bold initiatives you led in Round Three with AEC. Only the top twelve contestants will make it to this epic final showdown. This is where the most fire, focus, and creativity earn their spot in history. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a movement. It’s your chance to make a lasting impact, own your space, and show everyone what it truly means to be a trailblazer. It’s time to step up, stand out, and write your legend in denim and determination. Are you ready to become a Blue Jean Challenge icon? Make your move. The stage is waiting!
WINNING BIG: BECOMING THE BJC CHANGE-AGENT OF THE YEAR
The Blue Jean Challenge CHANGEagent of the Year doesn’t just win a title—they walk away with serious rewards and next-level opportunities. This exceptional young leader receives the exclusive AEC BJC S.W.A.G. Bag, packed with useful resources, meaningful gifts, and a financial award to invest in their future—whether they’re pursuing entrepreneurial dreams or higher education.
But that’s just the beginning. The Blue Jean Challenge CHANGEagent of the Year earns personal exposure opportunities throughout their reign, opening doors to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like:
- Walk-alongs with local elected officials: Get a front-row seat to leadership in action.
- One-on-one luncheons with local celebrities: Connect, learn, and shine.
- Mentorship by business leaders: Gain insider knowledge and guidance for success.
- Recognition from prominent community leaders: Get the respect and acknowledgment you deserve.
- Transfer the Title: Crown the following year’s winner of the Blue Jean Challenge as you say farewell walking into your successful future!
This isn’t just a win—it’s a launchpad to greatness. Are you ready to claim the spotlight and make your mark as a true trailblazer? Make your move! Let’s go!
EVERYONE'S A WINNER!
Not everyone can become our BJC Change-Agent of the Year, but everyone’s hard work will be celebrated!
While only one contestant will claim the title of Change-Agent of the Year,
four additional contestants will receive special recognition for their dedication, passion, and impact.
These standout individuals will be honored with awards such as:
- Top Advocate Award: For the contestant who displayed the most consistent commitment to their cause.
- Community Impact Award: For making the biggest difference in their local community through service.
- Leadership Excellence Award: For demonstrating outstanding leadership skills throughout the challenge.
- Creative Visionary Award: For showing unmatched creativity and innovation in their project and presentation.
Each award highlights the unique strengths and contributions of these exceptional young leaders.
Keep pushing forward—because no matter where you land, your journey and growth are what truly count!
Our Key Sponsor
viaJ entertainment services, llc. was established in 1993 to serve as a tool for professional development in creative, corporate and governmental settings in the areas of training, production, and consulting. Using the valuable resources of artistry, we assist creatives of all levels tap into their gifts and connect those gifts to opportunities. We also help small businesses and executive professionals realize their greatest leadership potential. Visit www.viaJentertainment.com to learn more.