Meet the 2024 Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Semi-Finalists!
Food For Change
Submitted by: James C. (Taco Bell Team Member)
Location: Cleveland, Tennessee | United States
Project description: Food for Change is dedicated to improving community access to food and minimizing waste. This initiative tackles significant gaps in food security and sustainability, helping individuals manage challenges related to hunger and surplus food. By leveraging a real-time inventory management app, Food for Change ensures efficient distribution, reduces waste and enhances the effectiveness of food redistribution. The project achieves these goals through strategic partnerships with retailers, the creation of robust distribution networks, and collaboration with local organizations to streamline operations. Furthermore, "Food for Change" aims to cultivate a network of community volunteers, actively engaging them in a technology-driven distribution system.
Words Beyond Worlds
Submitted by: Eza I.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey | United States
Project description: Words Beyond Worlds supports ESL students, young people and adults alike to thrive through cultural events, conversation practice, and free tutoring. The 60+ tutors that volunteer with Words Beyond Worlds speak over 20 languages, with students being able to connect one-on-one for personalized tutoring. Words Beyond Worlds has reached over 800 students in 16 different countries. They are looking to expand to 10 other countries and reach 1600+ students by the end of 2024.
Operation Serenity
Submitted by: Anjali D.
Location: Rochester, Minnesota | United States
Project description: Operation Serenity is an innovative app that supports pediatric patients preparing for surgery by alleviating pre-surgery stress. By using relevant scientific videos and articles, an easy-to-understand surgery simulation, and additional resources, children aged 8-15 can approach their upcoming surgeries with a clearer understanding of what will happen during their surgery. Operation Serenity aims to keep expanding their network and conduct user testing to broaden their reach and ensure the effectiveness of the app.
eCoreAcademy
Submitted by: AJ R.
Location: Voorhees, New Jersey | United States
Project description: eCore Academy is a global online education platform that is built by students for students to provide free enrichment educational content that goes beyond the limited content taught as core curriculum in schools. Through the website, users can gain access to 15+ educational courses that cover a broad range of topics from STEM topics such as calculus to college readiness such as interviews with industry leaders. The interactive video lessons, supplementary note sheets, and quizzes provide multiple ways for students to learn the content. eCoreAcademy has reached over 2,100 students and they aim to establish a greater presence in current public-school systems throughout the U.S.
Waterroots - Global Climate Storytelling
Submitted by: Joey W.
Location: Woodbury, Minnesota | United States
Project description: Waterroots is a global video journal project that amplifies the negative consequences of climate change in order to promote global climate literacy and spark climate conversations. Waterroots documents the stories of young leaders across 15 countries to demonstrate how cultures are affected by water insecurity, a side effect of climate change. Waterroots aims to continue to build this global water journal, foster international partnerships around social activism, and create local grassroots education movements on climate across the world to ensure that those who do not have the opportunity will be able to “share their stories”.
Stemina
Submitted by: Chyanne S.
Location: Mount Vernon, New York | United States
Project description: Stemina is a movement working to revolutionize STEM education and inspire young girls to spark a passion for STEM through the use of comics in which young girls are the main characters. By combining STEM with art, the comic series Technica Chicks encourages all young girls to “break barriers, ignite curiosity, and make a difference” in a fun and accessible way. Stemina aims to continue to create the content for the digital and paper comics and create optional curriculums that can be used in the home, libraries, and at school. They also are working towards organizing “Integurls” as virtual and in-person STEM competitions.
Express, Create, Heal, The Childhood Cancer Chapter
Submitted by: Bridget R.
Location: Bronx, New York | United States
Project description: Express, Create, Heal: The Childhood Cancer Chapter works to support the mental health of children and teens affected by childhood cancer through peer-based social-emotional learning programs led by college student volunteers. Express, Create, Heal uses tools including “arts, music, journaling, meditation, community and play” to support the resilience and wellbeing of childhood cancer survivors. In coming years, Express, Create, Heal plans to expand their reach by bringing mental health programming to ten hospitals across the United States twice a year, and furthering local partnerships with MindArch Health and Stony Brook University to launch a research study on the effectiveness of their programming.
SportMind
Submitted by: Nikhil R.
Location: United States
Project description: SportMind works to raise awareness around mental health challenges in sports and supports athletes in developing stronger mental resilience. In the context of a lack of awareness around mental health in sports, SportMind launched the #BestofMe social media campaign to “humanize the struggles that accompany high-performance sports.” SportMind currently works with over 20,000 squash players and plans to collaborate with Squash academies to embed mental health programming within junior training programs.
PropelU
Submitted by: Keith G.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia | United States
Project description: PropelU is a mentoring program for high school students in Atlanta experiencing poverty. Within the context of unequal opportunities and an educational system that works “to criminalize students rather than push them into higher opportunities,” PropelU focuses on mentoring students in essential life skills. PropelU works with college mentors from Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University to strengthen access to educational and career opportunities for local high school students.
Students Helping Hands MB
Submitted by: Helping Hands MB
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts | United States
Project description: Helping Hands MB is a student-led nonprofit working to address disparities in education for students ages 9 – 18. Within the context of an educational divide caused by “poverty, language barriers and immigration status,” Helping Hands MB works to teach STEAM concepts and expand access to career opportunities. In upcoming months, Helping Hands MB plans to expand new chapters and grow new programming opportunities including 3-D printing.
SeaCycle: Shaping a net-positive future for people and planet
Submitted by: Erin L.
Location: United States
Project description: SeaCycle is a social enterprise advancing a plastic-free future for oceans through creating net-positive products and advocating for the importance of responsible stewardship. Through climate education and advocacy, SeaCycle “aims to demonstrate that enterprise-driven environmental progress and justice are possible.” In upcoming months SeaCycle aims to conduct outreach events including workshops and beach cleanups to reduce local plastic pollution.
AirVitalize
Submitted by: Serena A.
Location: Los Angeles, California | United States
Project description: AirVitalize works to improve public health through air pollution capture technology. In the context of climate change, “air pollution is the single biggest environmental threat to public health” and AirVitalize aims to provide a “rapid pathway to improve outdoor air quality.” AirVitalize is currently partnering with community groups in the Los Angeles area to start implementing the AirVitalize device.
Foodify
Submitted by: Anisha H.
Location: Dallas, Texas | United States
Project description: Foodify is an AI-driven matchmaking platform that connects small restaurants with local social media influencers. Through the approach of influencer marketing, Foodify has “generated 180 viral posts, amassed 56 billion social media impressions and seen an average 150% lift in sales for restaurant clients.” By 2025, Foodify aims to have established a presence in Austin, Houston, New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta, with at least 25 restaurant clients in each city.
Fidutam
Submitted by: Alexander B.
Location: Easton, Pennsylvania | United States
Project description: Fidutam actively engages its members to develop and promote responsible technology. The organization is dedicated to expanding access to banking and education by distributing microloans and launching an ed-tech app tailored to educational needs. With a commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to address global challenges, Fidutam is introducing an AI-powered educational application and funding its initiatives through strategic partnerships. To date, Fidutam has impacted over 12,000 individuals through its microfinance solutions and beta-testing workshops, supported by its operations across various regions and a driven team of student leaders.
LiteratureDiversified
Submitted by: Saawan D.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee | United States
Project description: LiteratureDiversified is a project that promotes equity by diversifying educational content through innovative curriculum development. By incorporating marginalized voices into History and English curricula, this initiative addresses key disparities in education. LiteratureDiversified also enhances financial literacy for People of Color and low-income students and extends its reach globally through a robust network of student advocates. This project also supports educational equity advocates through peer mentorship and collaborative leadership.
The Garden Club Project
Submitted by: Te’Lario W.
Location: Blacklick, Ohio | United States
Project description: The Garden Club Project supports local communities by enhancing their sustainable gardening skills. This initiative tackles urban gardening challenges and food insecurity by collaborating with seven farms in Central Ohio, united by a commitment to equitable food distribution. The Garden Club meets monthly to share resources, including volunteers for gardening activities, as well as distributing produce to areas facing the greatest food shortages. They also share large agricultural equipment to reduce costs. This cooperative strategy not only fosters sustainable agricultural practices but also strengthens community bonds and directly combats local food scarcity.
Nara Therapy
Submitted by: Joshua O.
Location: Getzville, New York | United States
Project description: Nara Therapy enhances access to mental health services and promotes mental well-being across communities. This initiative addresses the challenge of convenient mental health support by using technology to efficiently connect users with qualified therapists. Nara Therapy combines therapy, meditation, and community support on a single platform, facilitated by AI-driven matching systems. The initiative also incorporates innovative features like automated note-taking and therapist-client engagement tools to improve the therapy experience.
Fight Fears
Submitted by: Zidaan K.
Location: Redwood City, California | United States
Project description: Fight Fears aims to support children with food allergies by improving their mental health. This initiative is designed to bridge a significant gap in accessible support for food allergy anxiety, helping these children navigate challenges related to managing their condition without relying solely on medication. Currently, Fight Fears has recognized the essential needs of food-allergic children and plans to address these through a dedicated app and establishing a national Ambassadors program. The project also seeks to build a network of young advocates by facilitating community engagement and awareness campaigns.
Compai: Smart Home Composting
Submitted by: Angelina D.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio | United States
Project description: Compai takes the guesswork out of home composting: through solar-powered sensors, users can obtain data on their compost’s key characteristics. The data then provides personalized compost care instructions accessed on a smartphone app. The app also connects Compai users by ZIP code, fostering community centered on home composting. The Compai team is working on producing their first 100 systems, a portion of which are reserved for donations to schools and community gardens.
Farms for Thought
Submitted by: Emma H.
Location: Washington, D.C. | United States
Project description: Farms for Thought aims to combat food deserts in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 by deploying “autonomous vertical farms” in schools. These hydroponic farms are designed to be autonomous and efficient, and Farms for Thought will create a distribution network where individuals can put in requests for food through a community-owned online platform. The team is working on producing the highest yield possible from the farms to make their distribution plans a reality.
Lilypad Health
Submitted by: Netra G.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia | United States
Project description: Lilypad Health is focused on revolutionizing healthcare for people who menstruate with the Lilypad, a device that can test menstrual blood for a range of diseases like HPV and Gonorrhea. The Lilypad is easy to use at home: an individual can apply the device on any commercially-available pad, then ship off the blood sample to a lab and receive results on their phone. In the future, Lilypad Health looks to continue testing and development of the Lilypad.
Elevate the Navajo Nation
Submitted by: Debbi S. and Jacob J.
Location: Navajo Nation, United States
Project description: Intergenerational, holistic mentoring and relationship-building are core to Elevate Navajo’s innovative approach. To address issues that Navajo youth in Arizona face, Elevate Navajo integrates mentorship in classrooms, after school, during summers, and beyond. Programming involves entire communities surrounding students, from parents and community leaders to high school students who become mentors themselves.
Expanding Early College Credit Programs to Reduce Student Debt
Submitted by: Zeke J.
Location: Minnesota | United States
Project description: Project description: This initiative seeks to expand a Minnesota state law called the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which allows high school students in grades 10-12 “to earn 2+ years of free college credits.” The program helps alleviate financial burdens of higher education for students and uses existing state funding, eschewing the need for taxpayers to pay extra. The team aspires for every student in every U.S. state to have access to free college courses.
Project ARISE
Submitted by: Sophie Z. and Grace Y.
Location: California | United States
Project description: Project ARISE, or the AI-Assisted Removal of Invasive Species for Environmental Restoration, aims to make the removal of invasive plant species in California more accessible. Users can use Project ARISE’s app and point their phone camera at a plant – the AI-assisted technology will identify the plant, whether or not it is invasive, and best practices for removing it. Currently working with San Diego park rangers, Project ARISE looks to test out their app in the field and continue developing it, all while continuing raising awareness about invasive species.
Visionary Impact: Empowering Visually Impaired through Assistive Technology
Submitted by: Meghana A.
Location: United States and India
Project description: Visionary Impact is increasing access to education for visually impaired students by sponsoring the conversion of print material to digital books with assistive technology. The initiative also has a focus on advocacy and raising awareness about the challenges people who are visually impaired face. Visionary Impact plans to amplify impact by creating a sustainable growth plan to ensure lasting impact.
TransformEarth: A Youth Climate Education Initiative
Submitted by: Meera B.
Location: Cupertino, California | United States
Project description: TransformEarth tackles climate anxiety and its negative side effects by providing climate and climate education packets for educators. By providing young people with climate knowledge, TransformEarth gives young people the tools to “become innovators, own the narrative, and be the change they wish to see.” TransformEarth envisions to be a part of every school’s climate education curriculum.
ReactGlove
Submitted by: Omar R.
Location: Houston, Texas | United States
Project description: ReactGlove is a smart glove that supports individuals with Parkinson’s disease to gain independence in their daily lives by enhancing their hand stability and precision. Through sensor technology, the glove adapts to each user and their needs, enabling users to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and lessening the burden of caregivers. ReactGlove is currently in the process of user testing to create a world where assistive tech is “not just functional, but fashionable and empowering”.
Ashwin Teen Financial Academy (ATFA)
Submitted by: Ashwin J.
Location: Kennewick, Washington | United States
Project description: Ashwin Teen Financial Academy (ATFA) is a nonprofit organization that empowers teenagers to make informed financial decisions and achieve their dreams by providing financial education for young people across the world. ATFA utilizes free webinars, mentorship programs, online and in-person programs, and advocacy to ensure that financial literacy is a part of every high school curriculum. ATFA has reached 50,000+ students in 178 countries and they aim to expand their reach to 250,000 students by the end of 2024 and work with legislators to make financial literacy a mandatory subject in high schools across the U.S. by 2030.
3 Tiny Bones
Submitted by: Yaduraj C.
Location: Downingtown, Pennsylvania | United States
Project description: 3 Tiny Bones is a nonprofit organization working with policymakers to destigmatize hearing loss, advance hearing health legislation, and create safe hearing zones within schools. 3 Tiny Bones works to build more “informed, healthier, and inclusive communities”. 3 Tiny Bones has worked with state and national lawmakers on hearing health legislation bills, educated 10,000+ students and staff across multiple school districts in Pennsylvania, and reached 400,000+ viewers with their digital educational content. By 2025, 3 Tiny Bones looks to expand to 10 schools, multiple states, and a new country by mid-2025.
Sensible: a diagnostic menstrual pad
Submitted by: Nandini K.
Location: Cary, North Carolina | United States
Project description: Sensible is a diagnostic menstrual pad that screens for cervical cancer in a non-invasive, sustainable way. Sensible is an affordable, lab-free diagnostic menstrual pad that is also reusable and biodegradable. Through their work, Sensible also works to normalize periods and view menstrual cycles as a valuable indicator of health. Sensible aims to protect women from cervical health issues, be an affordable diagnostic tool that is accessible to the under-resourced and allow women to thrive with “empowered knowledge about their bodies”.
Braille Board
Submitted by: William G.
Location: Illinois | United States
Project description: Braille Board is an initiative making braille literacy accessible and affordable for the visually impaired, providing high-quality braille learning tools at a fraction of the cost of existing options. In the context of an absence of tools for braille literacy, the Braille Board aims to foster “independence, inclusion, and empowerment for the visually impaired.” The Braille Board team continues to refine and finalize the design of the Braille Board in working towards a vision of manufacturing 1,000 Braille Boards annually by 2026.
Rising C-Suites (RCS)
Submitted by: Aarav G.
Location: Silicon Valley, California | United States
Project description: Rising C-Suites is Silicon Valley’s first youth-led consulting firm supporting young and beginner entrepreneurs. Through an innovative three-step model and by hosting open-ended hackathons, Rising C-Suites works to foster the creativity of young entrepreneurs. In upcoming months, Rising C-Suites aims to continue growing a support network for young entrepreneurs launching their first ventures and businesses.
EnRoute
Submitted by: Angela B.
Location: United States
Project description: EnRoute is a climate-tech social enterprise guiding conscious consumer fashion choices in the United States. Fast fashion is an unregulated $200 billion industry causing significant pollution and respiratory health issues. In the next two years, EnRoute is focused on engaging with 5-10% of the 274 million online shoppers in the United States to support more environmentally conscious fashion choices.
"I Matter" Project
Submitted by: Isabella H.
Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania | United States
Project description: The “I Matter” Project reaches young people who have experienced racism and shares artistic strategies to process feelings and move towards healing. Additionally, “I Matter” hosts an international poetry and art competition on topics of social justice that has reached thousands of young people over a period of 5 years. In upcoming years, “I Matter” aims to normalize conversations of racial trauma and city violence within mental health spaces for young people.
Students Teaching Finance
Submitted by: Isaac H.
Location: United States
Project description: Students Teaching Finance is a nonprofit boosting finance knowledge through peer-teaching financial literacy to youth. Through an interactive, open-source curriculum and peer-to-peer teaching model, Students Teaching Finance is democratizing access to financial literacy in 19 states across the U.S. In upcoming years, Students Teaching Finance aims to expand their Spanish curriculum in working with young people in Central and South America.
SkyVolt
Submitted by: Pranava M.
Location: United States
Project description: SkyVolt addresses energy poverty through a sustainable aluminum-air battery generator, providing reliable power in disaster-prone areas. In the context of increasing natural disasters due to climate change, SkyVolt provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to generate long-lasting power. SkyVolt aims to provide power to 1,000 people by 2025 and to reach 100,000 people over the course of the next 7 years.
Low-cost DIY Indoor Composting Buckets
Submitted by: Amanda
Location: Clarksville, Maryland | United States
Project description: DIY Indoor Composting Buckets educates about environmental sustainability and distributes indoor composting buckets to encourage home composting. Through introducing a “low-cost, fast and easy way to encourage home composting, DIY Indoor Composting Buckets works to address food waste throughout the U.S. Within the next two years, DIY Indoor Composting Buckets aims to create and distribute 500 free composting buckets to community members and families.
Tofali Zetu: Affordable Housing in Rural Tanzania
Submitted by: Andrew R.
Location: Tanzania and United States
Project description: Tofali Zetu produces interlocking earth bricks and brick building machines to expand access to affordable housing in Tanzania. Through supporting and training local entrepreneurs to construct homes using interlocking earth bricks, Tofali Zetu works to advance a sustainable affordable housing model. In upcoming years, Tofali Zetu aims to build 80 houses and provide quality housing to over 400 family members.
Sustainability Stars
Submitted by: Prisha S.
Location: Chandler, Arizona | United States
Project Description: Sustainability Stars is an initiative that motivates youth to tackle the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative educational programs and leadership opportunities. By focusing on skills like problem-solving and project management, this initiative fills a vital need for active youth engagement in global sustainability efforts. Sustainability Stars establishes high school clubs, conducts STEM challenges for younger students, and amplifies youth voices in key forums. The team builds a network of young sustainability advocates through peer mentorship and collaborative leadership, supported by partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and local governments to enhance reach and impact.
Bridge the Gap Initiative
Submitted by: Varuni C.
Location: North Royalton, Ohio | United States
Project description: The Bridge the Gap Initiative champions digital inclusivity by equipping senior citizens with essential technological skills. This project leverages a network of high school volunteers to enhance seniors' social engagement through personalized tech training. Bridge the Gap not only fosters intergenerational connections but also builds a community of advocates for digital literacy. Through partnerships with senior centers, educational institutions, and community organizations, the initiative broadens its impact and promotes a more inclusive digital landscape.
Innovation Workshops to Encourage Grassroot Innovators
Submitted by: Rao G.
Location: Lone Tree, Colorado | United States
Project description: Innovation Workshops to Encourage Grassroot Innovators enhances STEM education for youth in under-resourced areas. This initiative reduces educational disparities by providing resources, establishing maker spaces, and partnering with global entities. Achievements include presenting at over 250 educational and corporate events, conducting more than 500 workshops based on a 5-step innovation process, and reaching over 85,000 students and 27,000 educators in 46 countries. These activities cultivate a network of young innovators, empowering students in rural and refugee communities to address global challenges effectively.
d is looking to expand beyond their current digital outreach to increase last-mile access in rural locations.
Future Kings Mentoring
Submitted by: Terrell G.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | United States
Project description: Future Kings Mentoring helps young Black men overcome feelings of hopelessness by teaching them they can be leaders and achieve economic success. The program was started by individuals who themselves benefited from mentorship and focuses on teaching life skills, entrepreneurship, STEM, and financial knowledge. It uses a community approach, including workshops on handling conflicts, community discussions, and team-building activities, bringing together parents, leaders, and students to support each other. Future Kings Mentoring is working to grow its services and find a permanent space for its activities. Having already engaged over 100 students, the program aims to provide these young men with the skills and experiences they need to succeed after high school.
MyPy Coding
Submitted by: Kasim K.
Location: McLean, Virginia | United States
Project description: MyPy Coding aims to enhance access to computer science education by providing free online coding lessons to students in grades 2-8, especially those from underserved communities. Utilizing a team of volunteer teen tutors, this initiative teaches essential coding skills such as Python, Scratch, and Web Design through an interactive, project-based curriculum. Driven by the significant impact of computer science on its members, MyPy Coding fosters a tutoring approach that emphasizes community support and leadership development. Originally launched in the Washington, D.C. area, the initiative has expanded to include Chicago and L.A., partnering with various organizations to reach a broader audience.
OutsideConnection
Submitted by: Sebastian T.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | United States
Project description: OutsideConnection is a job platform serving individuals returning from incarceration. The website is free to use and aggregates reentrant-friendly job postings: thus far, OutsideConnection has provided employment access to over 10,000 reentrants through partnerships with businesses and organizations centered on reentrants. The program spans 17 U.S. states and 31 cities, and the team aims to expand their nationwide reach.
Every Kid Gets a Robot (EKGAR)
Submitted by: Danielle B.
Location: United States
Project description: Every Kid Gets a Robot (EKGAR) sends free robotics kits to elementary- to high school-aged Indigenous youth: the kits have components made from recycled plastic and include an award-winning curriculum. EKGAR is bridging the gaps in technical education for Indigenous youth through the kits. EKGAR has also expanded Robot Learning Labs in 50 U.S. schools, where students participate in building the kits via 3-D printing and distribute them to community programs.
Securing Degrees: Making Free College the New Normal
Submitted by: Victoria L.
Location: United States
Project description: Securing Degrees is tackling the student debt crisis by providing personalized support to students applying to scholarships on an online platform. Students are regularly matched with tailored scholarships and can utilize unlimited essay editing guidance and a 24/7 chat from the youth-led Securing Degrees team. Looking ahead, the Securing Degrees team aims to increase the scale and impact of their operations including college fairs and hiring new scholarship coaches.
SignAl
Submitted by: Shridhar M. and Aaditya S.
Location: United States
Project description: SignAl aims to make sign language communication more accessible through an AI-powered translation app that can provide real-time translations. The initial database of 90,000 photos of sign language characters were used to create the AI architecture, and SignAl is working towards creating a cloud server where anyone can upload photos of sign characters and be involved with the project. Over 2,000 people are currently on the waitlist for the app, which the team will develop as a beta after completing their data set.
Fostering Resilience in Children of Incarcerated Parents
Submitted by: David, Ava, and Josh M.
Location: United States
Project description: KidsMates provides support, resources, and tools for children of parents who are incarcerated. Their KidsMates Visits program placed board games, books, and more in prison visiting rooms in 2/3rds of U.S. states, and their youth-led team works on storytelling and creating educational materials for caregivers and families affected by incarceration. Through a study, KidsMates discovered that STEM resources for children who are impacted by incarceration are lacking and piloted an introductory STEM course: the team aims to continue tackling parental incarceration and providing resources to everyone who is affected.
Because Mental Health (Project Hwan)
Submitted by: Megan K.
Location: United States
Project description: Project Hwan provides a platform for mentoring, education about mental health, and creativity in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. Project Hwan wants to seek out potential mentors who are part of the community and establish the website where individuals can access workshops, online support groups, and more. They also hope to collaborate with more API organizations.
Connecteens: Social & Economic Inclusion for youth with disabilities
Submitted by: Sarah P.
Location: California | United States
Project description: Connecteens provides entrepreneurial skill-building education and opportunities for young people with disabilities. Youth-led and operated, Connecteens also hosts an annual creative contest for individuals with disabilities to express their lived experiences and fight stigmas. The team behind this project aims to increase visibility of their programs and offerings through blog posts and attending conferences and events.