Project Innovation: The FAQs

What is the deadline for entries?
All entries must be received by no later than February 6, 2012.

What kinds of ideas are you looking for?
We’re looking for insight from you — we want to know what idea YOU and your team think would make StartHereGoPlaces.com that much better. How can the website help students like you? How can it entertain you? How can it educate you? Our mission is to help high school students explore careers in accounting, so the idea that fulfills that mission in the most creative (and doable) way may just be the big winner.

How does judging work?
Check out the timeline (to the right). First, a panel of judges will use a strict set of guidelines to evaluate, score and narrow down to entries to the top 10 finalists. We’ll then post those entries on our website and let anyone in the country vote for their favorite idea (the public vote counts as part of the team’s overall score, so be sure you spread the word if you’re one of the top 10 finalists, and get those votes). From there, finalists will present their ideas live via Skype to our final round judge, and the top three winners will be selected.

How will I find out if my team is a finalist?
We’ll inform your faculty advisor via telephone and email if your team is selected to move on to the next phase of the competition. See the timeline (to the right) for exact dates.

How many students can be on one team?
Each team must have at least two and no more than four students (and must include a faculty advisor that is either a business or accounting teacher or guidance counselor).

Can schools have more than one team participating?
Yes, each school can have several teams participating in Project Innovation. There is no limit.

Can a teacher advise more than one team?
Just like there is no limit to the number of teams that can participate from each school, there is no limit to the number of teams a teacher can advise.

What do we do if we have questions not answered here?
If you’re stumped along the way, send an email to startheregoplaces@aicpa.org and we’ll answer your questions as quickly as possible.