2026-27 Sunstone Economic Development Challenge @ USC Price: Networking Mixer
Are you a USC Price undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining real-world experience tackling economic development challenges faced by local governments? Join us to learn more about the Sunstone Economic Development Challenge, now entering its fifth year.
This hands-on competition gives student teams the opportunity to collaborate with city partners on pressing economic development issues, while competing for cash prizes:
1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $1,500
The Challenge is designed for aspiring public service leaders who want to apply their skills, expand their networks, and make a lasting impact in the community.
At the Networking Mixer, you’ll connect with fellow students who are interested in forming teams, meet the Sunstone program team, and hear directly from local government staff and past participants. This is your chance to build relationships, ask questions, and prepare yourself for an exciting and rewarding competition experience.
Student Team Registration Form:
Agenda
4PM - 4:30PM | Check-In and Light Refreshments
4:30PM - 4:40PM | Opening Remarks
Dr. Christopher Boone, USC Price Dean
Peter Castro, USC CMF Board Chair & Deputy City Manager for the City of Rancho Cucamonga
4:40PM - 4:55PM | City Clients Remarks
4:55PM - 5PM | Sunstone Cities Remarks
5PM - 6PM | Networking and Mingling