2025-26 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 2025–2026 Sunstone Economic Development Challenge, now entering its fourth 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlMEqSm5RVgnb38YP8oPm3CrlHc7xKwgrUJZZ6693V4I3-uQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103151848929393563365

​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 | Local Government Clients Remarks

  • ​City of Lake Elsinore

  • ​City of Mission Viejo

  • ​City of Ontario

  • ​City of Riverside

  • ​City of Sutter Creek

  • ​City of West Covina

  • ​County of San Bernardino

• ​4:55PM - 5PM | Sunstone Cities Remarks

• ​5PM - 6PM | Networking and Mingling