VANCOUVER, CANADA — The UBC Sauder School of Business was filled with youthful energy and cheerful spirit as Ascend 2024, Lower Mainland's first case competition designed specifically for high school students, took place on November 16th, 2024.

Organized by Prosper Foundation, Ascend introduced a unique, feedback-driven approach to case competitions, offering two distinct streams to accommodate varying experience levels.

The Novice Competition Stream provided beginners with an introduction to case competitions in a supportive environment. Participants engaged in an "Introduction to Case Competition" session through Prosper Academy, where the Prosper team dissected all elements of a case competition, from reading the case to crafting the presentation slide deck. The session included live demonstrations of previously used cases and strategies for breaking down problems strategically. The winning team of the Novice Stream was awarded a $250 cash prize.

The Advanced Competition Stream catered to seasoned participants, offering specialized bootcamps focused on areas such as public speaking and slide deck design. This stream aimed to further develop participants' skills by challenging them to compete with peers of similar backgrounds and experiences. The top team in the Advanced Stream received a $500 cash prize.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Ascend emphasized learning and development. This approach aligns with Ascend's mission to provide a platform where students can gain critical hands-on experience in solving cases, presenting in front of judges, and collaborating effectively within teams—skills that are invaluable yet often underdeveloped in traditional classroom settings.

The event also featured the launch of Prosper360, a digital platform designed to enhance the conference experience. With Prosper360, participants could access personalized event schedules, receive notifications and reminders, and interact with other attendees through a centralized platform. This innovation underscores Prosper Foundation's commitment to leveraging technology to enrich educational experiences.

The success of Ascend's inaugural event marks a significant milestone in the region's educational landscape, providing high school students with unprecedented opportunities to develop business acumen and leadership skills. As the first case competition in the Lower Mainland with a strong emphasis on learning and developing business skills, Ascend has set a new standard for youth business conferences.