When examining the average college campus, it becomes obvious that students feel rushed from one place to another as they try to participate in class, clubs, and extracurricular activities. One way that students can feel more comfortable and relaxed around campus is to introduce the aspect of gaming. Studies show that “Moderate videogame play has been found to contribute to emotional stability” (Jones, 2014). This demonstrates that the stress of college can be mitigated by introducing the ability to interact with video games. This same concept has been applied in the workplace, where studies have shown that “Gaming principles such as challenges, competition, rewards and personalization keep employees engaged and learning” (Clark, 2020). This means that if we manage to gamify the college experience, students will be more engaged which will increase and stabilize the retention rate of colleges which utilize this type of experience. Gaming allows students to connect with their peers in a casual environment while also allowing them to find resources around campus and find new places to eat and relax. We plan to gamify the college experience by introducing augmented reality in the form of an app. Augmented reality is “. . . a technology that combines virtual information with the real world” (Chen, 2019). College students will be able to utilize the resources and amenities available to them on campus while completing quests that help them within the application. This demonstrates the ability for video games to engage students using artificial tasks but real actions and experiences which help them feel more connected to campus. Our Founders Lab team has developed and tested an AR application that can be used to connect students with their campus and the resources available to them.

There is a serious lack of local news in Arizona, the American Southwest, and the United States at-large. Arizonans are craving quality, factual, no-holds-barred journalism that is easy-to-read, and upfront. Quality, local news that covers the ins and outs of politics, culture, and community has an opportunity to not only enhance civic life, promote community healing, and expand knowledge made available to the general public (thus serving the communities it calls home), but to also generate revenue. Further, independent and center-right leaning voters in the state of Arizona — be reminded that independents make up the second largest voting bloc among Arizonans — are often crowded out in a media environment that consists of far-left nonprofit-funded news sites like the Arizona Mirror, formerly reputable papers that have bled readership as they veer further left like the Arizona Republic, and far-right online blogs that reach a very limited audience. The Western Tribune is an Arizona-based journalistic publication. This institution is dedicated to providing high-quality, well-sourced news and commentary on statewide, regional, national, and international current affairs through the lens of good government and free enterprise — as well as Southwestern values. We are a free institution that believes in free institutions. We cover stories that go uncovered because of the corporate media’s blind spots (and they’ve got many — they’re a result of news deserts and out-of-touch coastal attitudes) with the stable support of a robust institution dedicated to Truth-seeking behind them. Our storytellers are not just good writers. We seek to recruit and form critical thinkers with skills that span trades, disciplines, and educational backgrounds. We are building an institution committed to excellence.

Classic & Current is a sustainable e-commerce business that provides affordable, appropriate, and fashion-forward business clothes for college female students. Through customer discovery and market analysis, we have identified a need for trendy, affordable business wear that is tailored to a younger demographic. Our strategy includes a circular component where customers can send back items for a discount on a new piece, which will be listed on “Our Closet,” along with hand-picked, thrifted items exclusively available to verified college students at a lower price point. Classic & Current targets females ages 18-25 who are either college students or young professionals in the United States. Our mission is to provide affordable, fashion-forward, work-appropriate, comfortable, and durable clothing while also addressing sustainability concerns. Our marketing efforts will focus on social media, specifically Instagram and TikTok, using micro-influencers and paid advertisements to push our brand and gain traction. Our financial plan includes seeking funding opportunities through ASU’s entrepreneurship programs. Classic & Current distinguishes itself from competitors by providing unique solutions for sustainability while offering elements of a classic wardrobe and trendy, seasonal items to keep customers current.

Classic & Current is a sustainable e-commerce business that provides affordable, appropriate, and fashion-forward business clothes for college female students. Through customer discovery and market analysis, we have identified a need for trendy, affordable business wear that is tailored to a younger demographic. Our strategy includes a circular component where customers can send back items for a discount on a new piece, which will be listed on “Our Closet,” along with hand-picked, thrifted items exclusively available to verified college students at a lower price point. Classic & Current targets females ages 18-25 who are either college students or young professionals in the United States. Our mission is to provide affordable, fashion-forward, work-appropriate, comfortable, and durable clothing while also addressing sustainability concerns. Our marketing efforts will focus on social media, specifically Instagram and TikTok, using micro-influencers and paid advertisements to push our brand and gain traction. Our financial plan includes seeking funding opportunities through ASU’s entrepreneurship programs. Classic & Current distinguishes itself from competitors by providing unique solutions for sustainability while offering elements of a classic wardrobe and trendy, seasonal items to keep customers current.