A program aimed at enhancing the Missouri Department of Social Services Children's Division's work with older youth took the top prize in a recent contest looking at ways to improve state government.
Nine finalist teams competed in the Show Me Challenge virtually before a panel of state government senior leaders last Friday.
Inspired by the TV show "Shark Tank," the Show Me Challenge brings together state employees from across Missouri's 16 executive departments to pitch solutions that aim to improve services to residents, cut out unnecessary bureaucratic work, and/or save the state time and money. Judges looked at a pitch's quality, practicality and potential for impact.
Representatives from seven of the 16 executive departments of state government competed from across the state.
First place went to DSS's presentation of Champions for Older Youth. The group made up of Rene' Brinkman, Shasta Miller, Bobbie Thomas and Nicole Robinson talked about expanding the Southeast Royals Unit throughout the state.
Older youth who age out of foster care can be at higher risk to not complete high school, be unemployed and experience homelessness. The Champions for Older Youth's winning presentation focused on a special effort to further enhance the personalized preparation and support of older youth who are aging out of foster care to ensure they will successfully transition into adulthood independence.
The group proposed statewide extension of their regional concerted efforts which have resulted in a higher number of older youth in foster care getting a driver's permit or license, having a bank account, and being employed and achieving other personal goals to increase their potential for a successful life.
Recycle Rally in Parks from the Department of Natural Resources and Office of Administration won second place for their proposal to implement a statewide campground recycling program that will increase convenience of recycling for campers, and thereby reduce waste going to landfills.
Missouri State Parks Education Resources Website from the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education took third place for its proposal to create a centralized website with virtual education materials to better assist educators unable to bring their students to visit Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites for in-person learning.
There is a $500 reward per team member for having the winning pitch. The teams continue to work within their departments on implementing the winning pitches throughout state government, if applicable.
The Show Me Challenge typically takes place every six months, but the fourth cycle was delayed due to COVID-19. To date, more than 500 team members have pitched ideas to improve state government. The fifth cycle of the competition will begin in February. Finalist teams will present their pitches to a panel of judges for the fifth cycle in June 2021.