Walmart Targets College and University Students With Green Contest

Walmart Canada is encouraging college and university students to think green. The retailer recently announced their Walmart Green Student Challenge contest, and is offering $100,000 in prizes.

They have called on Canadian college and university to submit outlines for “green ventures” or ways to make existing businesses more sustainable.

The stakes are high with cash prizes of $100,000 for the first through fifth place finalists. The winner’s college or university can also benefit, as first place means $30,000 for the winner and $30,000 for the winner’s school.

Aside from the money, semi-finalists get the chance to pitch their ideas to Walmart Canada’s President and CEO Shelley Broader, along with a panel of esteemed business leaders.

Walmart Canada claims the judges will be looking for ideas that:

• Present a new way of doing business
• Have a significant sustainability benefit
• Have a strong business case to back it up (it saves money or creates new revenue)

They will also be scoring submissions for originality and ease of implementation.

Applications can be sent by individuals or teams of up to four students. Applications must be submitted by January 20th, 2012.