T-Mobile Changemaker Lab

FAQs

Attendance

When is the Changemaker Lab? 

The Changemaker Lab will take place October 1-3 at T-Mobile's headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Attendance is mandatory for the duration of the event. 

Can I bring a teammate? 

Yes! Every selected project can bring up to two members (ages 13-18 living in the US or Puerto Rico) total to represent your project at the Lab. Your teammate must also have contributed substantially to the growth or development of your project. The teammate must also meet the eligibility criteria of the Challenge, which you can find out here. 

Do I have to bring a teammate? 

No. You can attend the Lab without a teammate. However, we hope you see this as an opportunity to grow your team and invest in the people around you to advance your solution. 

Regardless of whether you bring a teammate or not, if you are under 18, a chaperone is required to attend with you.  

Can I bring multiple teammates?  

No. We can only host up to two people per team at the Changemaker Lab. Because of COVID-related capacity limits, we must enforce this rule strictly. We are so excited to be able to hold the Lab in person and are doing everything that we can to make it a safe and fun experience! 

What if my teammate or chaperone lives outside of the US? 

Per our eligibility criteria, all participants must currently live in the United States or Puerto Rico.  

I know you are only paying for team members (maximum of 2)                  
and one chaperone. Could someone else join if we paid?  

Unfortunately, no. The T-Mobile Changemaker Lab is a closed event. No additional guests will be allowed to join us. 

Who can be my chaperone?  

Chaperones are required if either teammate attending the Lab is under the age of 18. A chaperone is a person (could be a parent, guardian, educator or trusted adult) that is over the age of 27 – not another teammate or friend. If the chaperone is not the legal parent or guardian of one of the team members attending the Lab, the Ashoka Team will reach out to your chaperone and have a short conversation to align on expectations and opportunities for the Changemaker Lab.  

For example, if you are 18, but your teammate is 16, your team is required to have a chaperone attend the Lab with you. We cover all expenses as it relates to traveling and attending the Changemaker Lab for your chaperone as well. 

If you and your teammate are 18 or older, you do not need a chaperone. Instead, you are responsible for each other.  

Separate programming and meals will be provided for chaperones for the duration of the Lab. 

What is expected of chaperones during the Lab?  

We have an abbreviated schedule for chaperones which involves moments on T-Mobile's campus, excursions in Seattle, shared meals, and more. Chaperones will have time to themselves during the Lab, too. Please see the chaperone schedule for more information.  

Can I visit a friend or check out a college campus while I’m in           
Seattle?  

We have a packed schedule for the Lab, and you may not miss any of the lab events. You are free to set up a meeting or visit someone outside of the Lab event dates. 

Is there a cost to attend the Lab?  

All flights, lodging, and meals for winners, teammates, and chaperones will be provided by Ashoka and the T-Mobile Foundation. However, you will be responsible for any costs that occur when travelling to and from your airport of origin. 

What happens at the Lab?  

We have lots of fun and unique opportunities planned for the Lab, including community building, mentor workshops, celebrations, and more! We will be sharing more information as we finalize the agenda. 

Accommodations & Food 

Can I choose to stay somewhere else, like with family instead                    
of at the hotel?  

No, we require everyone to stay at the hotel for the entire duration of the T-Mobile Changemaker Lab. 

I have family in the Seattle area; can they join us for any                           
activities?  

Unfortunately, no. The T-Mobile Changemaker Lab is a closed event. No additional guests will be allowed to join us.  

Are we required to participate in all Lab activities?    

Yes, you are required to participate in all activities. We have built a jam-packed few days with lots of fun, engaging components to help you connect with other changemakers, grow your initiative, and learn more about the work T-Mobile, the T-Mobile Foundation and Ashoka are doing in the world.  We can’t wait to spend two full days with you!  

What do I do if I get separated from the group?  

If for any reason you get separated from the team, call or text Melissa at (571) 622-1066, and a team member will meet you and bring you back to the group.   

Can we choose to go back to our rooms instead of staying in                      
the hangout room after the main activities?  

Yes, the hangout room is optional but open for you to hang out and get to know other participants in.   

I have some specific dietary restrictions? Can you accommodate? 

We have made accommodations to cater to everyone’s dietary needs as long as those needs were communicated during registration. If what is provided does not cater to your dietary restrictions or needs, please contact a T-Mobile Changemaker Lab team member for further assistance.

Clothing

Is there a dress code for the Lab? What should I pack?  

You will need both casual and “business casual” clothing for the Lab. 

Casual clothing means comfortable shoes, jeans, walking shorts, shirts, skirts, pants, etc. We ask that you do not wear clothes with controversial themes, explicit language, or advertising for alcohol or tobacco products. We also ask that you dress respectfully for the occasion. When unsure, please err on the conservative side and avoid wearing exposed clothing.  

Business casual means clothing that is appropriate for the workplace such as pants or khakis, dress shirt, blouse, skirt, or a dress (no jeans, shorts, short skirts, and short dresses). 

Above all, bring comfortable walking shoes! In addition, Seattle is known for rain, so we suggest you pack a raincoat, warm jacket/coat, or sweater.   

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Suggested packing list: 

• Any medications or prescriptions needed
• Casual clothing 
• Business causal clothing
• Travel money 
• Comfortable shoes for sightseeing
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap 
• Jacket and/or rain jacket 
• Personal cosmetics and toiletries
• Extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts
• Phone charger, of course! 

Travel 

Do you cover my transport from my house to/from the                         
airport or train station? 

No, we do not. We only cover all transportation and expenses upon arrival in Seattle airport and while at the Lab. We ask that you coordinate transportation to and from your home to the airport or train station.  

If you need financial assistance to get to and from the airport or train station from your home, please reach out to our team at cmchallenge@ashoka.org. 

How do I get my baggage fee covered?  

We do not cover baggage fees for attendees. We ask that you bring everything you need as a carry-on item.  

How heavy can my carry-on luggage be?  

There is no weight restriction for most domestic airlines. However, the dimensions of your carry-on, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (23 x 36 x 56 cm), and your personal item should measure at 8 x 14 x 18 inches (20 x 35 x 45 cm). Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bins, and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Healthcare/First Aid:

What are the health and safety protocols for the Lab? 

Your safety is our number one priority. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Washington, and T-Mobile health protocols, we have implemented the following protocols to promote a healthy and safe experience:

• Due to COVID restrictions and to keep an equitable experience for everyone in attendance, this is a closed event. No additional guests will be allowed to join us at the hotel, in our sessions, or at meals. Thank you for understanding! 
• You will receive an at-home COVID test kit a week to the Lab. Please use the kit to take a COVID test a day before your flight departure date. 

  • Please swab, take a photo, and send the results of your COVID test on SATURDAY (September 30 or a day before your scheduled flight) to this number: 571-622-1066.  

  • This process should only take <20 minutes (including the 15-minute wait for your test results!) 

  • To ensure the health and safety of all attendees, we ask that you stay home if you test positive for COVID.  

• Once at the Lab, if you are experiencing any symptoms or feel sick, please get in touch with one of the T-Mobile Lab staff members and text this number: 571-622-1066. We also ask that you self-isolate in your room. If you have a roommate, your roommate must wear a mask at all times unless they are also experiencing symptoms; then, we ask that they self-isolate. 

• For medical emergencies, please begin by calling 911. You can also visit the nearest urgent care: Virginia Mason Bellevue Medical Center, 11695 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004. Also, text this number: 571-622-1066 to notify a staff member. 

What happens if I get injured or sick?  

If you have a non-emergency medical issue, please contact T-Mobile Changemaker Lab staff as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, begin by calling 911. 

The nearest urgent care is Virgina Mason Bellevue Medical Center, 11695 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004. Also, text this number 571-622-1066 to notify a member of our staff. 

Media:

Will I be required to speak with the media?  

No, media engagement is at-will, and you do not have to participate if you are not comfortable. If you do choose to speak with the media, you are also not obligated to answer any questions you are not comfortable with.   

Security:

How will the Ashoka and T-Mobile teams ensure my safety?  

We have put in place people and systems to ensure we are aware of the whereabouts of all participants at all times. If for any reason you feel unsafe or a threat presents itself, reach out to any member of the Ashoka or T-Mobile team, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.   

Participation and Prizes:

How long after the Lab will I receive my funding?   

Funding will be received about 1-2 months after the event and after you have completed the necessary paperwork. More information will be provided during the Lab.  

Are there requirements for how I use the money?  

It is our expectation that you will use all the money in service of your project.   

We will provide workshops during the Lab to support you in determining how you might like to spend the money!  

Other Questions:

What is the weather like in Bellevue?   

The climate in Bellevue in October has an average high temperature of 67 degrees and a low temperature of 51 degrees. For the latest weather conditions and forecasts, visit The Weather Channel website. 

What time zone is Bellevue?   

Bellevue is in the Pacific Time Zone, so when it's noon in Bellevue, it is: 

• 1 p.m. in Denver (MST) 
• 2 p.m. in Dallas/Ft. Worth (CST) 
• 3 p.m. in New York (EST)