WHY Partner with Us?
Engage with our audience (aka your audience!)
And going virtual means more - and more diverse - attendees
Teenage entrants and fans - 29 million teens in US, 15.3 million attend public high schools, 1.5 million attend private high schools
Parents, grandparents and more
Educators - 3.7 million full-time-equivalent K-12 educators; 62k counselors
Community members - 48 million attend HS plays, 500 million tickets sold for HS football games
Fans of celebrity partners from entertainment, media, sports, art, science and tech
Fans of televised talent shows (e.g. American Idol, Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, etc.)
Establish emotional connections, authenticity and relevance, lift brand perception, increase brand love
- Lead a nationwide, galvanizing, uplifting movement to celebrate all kinds of teens
- Invest in young changemakers and their ideas to change the world
- Fund causes that are important to teens, families and employees
- Celebrate the diversity of passions and cultures
- Align your brand with wholesome, family-oriented entertainment and content that is entertaining, engaging, moving and memorable
- Incorporate our content into your own digital marketing content creation strategy and advocacy programs
Increase employee engagement and pride!
- Sponsor the Festival and benefit shows to demonstrate your support of the passions and potential of your employees' children and grandchildren and of your current and future teenage employees
- Fund the Creative Force for Good and/or specific causes to demonstrate your support of issues that matter most to your employees
- Engage your employees in skill-based volunteer opportunities that achieve tremendous impact to demonstrate your respect for their passions and sense of purpose
Achieve enduring purpose
Use your marketing, JEDI, CSR, ESG, HR resources dollars to support youth empowerment and specific causes such as:
- Racial Equality
- Coronavirus Relief
- LGBTQ+ Youth
- Education Opportunity Gap
- Mental Health
- Arts education, tech education, dropout prevention
- Climate Change
- School Safety
Amplify your leadership on the issues that matter most to teens, your employees and your company. Engage for Good compiled these statistics to demonstrate the positive impact purpose and supporting specific causes important to consumers can have on your brand. For example, (86%) say they’re likely to purchase from purpose-driven companies. (2019 Porter Novelli/Cone Purpose Biometrics Study)Lift the spirits of teens, families, educators and entire communities
Teens are missing out on the high school experience
(Families, educators and entire communities too)
Help create positive experiences and lifelong memories
Millions of heartbroken teens have been robbed of the chance to perform, present or compete in the spotlight of live events. Hundreds of millions of fans wish they could still cheer for them, encourage them, and watch them shine.
Beyond the academic benefits, high school is where teens with all varieties of passions and talent find and connect with others just like them, and work together toward common goals. They miss that connection, and the excitement of school rallies, the build up of and actual performances and competitions, and the hallway high fives after a job well done.
You can give them the next best thing - a virtual spotlight.
Students struggle to engage during virtual learning
Help provide "A saving grace for teachers and students."
With the digital divide, disengaged students, increased anxiety, stress and depression among teens due to social isolation and other stressors, high school educators are seeking innovative ways to offer relevant, real world learning opportunities that keep students engaged and motivated, and to offer them productive ways to express their emotions.
We've got them covered. Educators helped us design our Festival and Creative Force for Good, with one saying "This is huge. It could be a saving grace for teachers and students."
You can help teachers help students.
Teens care, and they want to help
Empower teens to "Be the change"
DoSomething.org says 72% of teens want to help address current issues. You can help teens help others-- and demonstrate that you care about the same causes.
You can help them increase awareness of and raise funds for a different cause each week, and enable them to recruit volunteers and attract investments to fully develop their solutions.
They (and their families and teachers) will thank you. E.g. 71% of students (16-24) have changed their shopping habits due to Black Lives Matter. (YMS 2020 Youth Trends Report)
Families need positive, uplifting distractions
Beyond the dire needs presented by a pandemic, climate-related disasters and both racial and political unrest, families need positive distractions, something uplifting they can enjoy together at home.
In a recent survey of 3,000 US parents, WildBrain Spark and TV industry analyst nScreenMedia found that 75% of respondents say they watch video content several times a week or more with their kids. Once the pandemic ends, two in three parents expect the time they spend watching content with their kids will either stay the same or increase.
Help fund production, promotions, life-changing prizes, causes and more, and they will remember that you made their time together special and impactful, long after the pandemic subsides.
Celebrate all kinds of Teens on the Verge of Greatness or support specific passion points
Thousands of entries will be screened, organized and presented in talent-specific online stages and galleries through the entire summer; millions of fans will view entries and vote for favorites to appear in weekly variety shows later this fall.
Founding partners are recognized sitewide in perpetuity for their leadership.
Presenting partners are recognized sitewide through August.
“Empowered by” partners enable teens to create or capture their entries to specific categories by providing no-cost tech solutions, equipment, supplies or educational resources, or by funding access to those resources.
Venue sponsors "present" high-level categories with branding of the main entrance visible to all who enter and in benefit show intros
- Performing Arts Pavillion
- Visual & Media Arts Gallery
- Innovation Nation
- Sports Stadium
- Writers' Wroom
- Changemakers Convention
Talent category sponsors enjoy branding of the main stage (e.g. Singing) and any side stages (e.g. Country singing). Side stages have additional sponsorship opportunities.
- Singing
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Comedy, Novelty Acts
- Visual Arts
- Media Arts
- Fashion Design (Apparel, Footwear, Jewelry & Accessories)
- Writing, Spoken Word
- New Media/Content Creation (social influencers)
- Sports fields/gymnasiums
- Technology Showcases
- Science Labs
- Etc.
Invest in young artists, inventors, programmers and changemakers and empower them to change the world!
Promote your own values by supporting cause-specific initiatives both in the online CFG and in weekly benefit variety shows! Each weekly episode will feature select student artwork and performances to increase awareness of the issues and raise funds for each cause.
- Sponsor the CFG and/or cause-specific challenges
- Help select the best solutions, artwork and campaigns
- Provide seed funding for development of technology solutions and/or awareness campaigns, donate media
- Engage employees and commit additional resources and expertise to help teens develop solutions
- Demonstrate your leadership in advocacy-based social media posts and other communications
Each new season will highlight the status of innovations from prior seasons and provide regular updates on our website, ensuring a lasting recognition of your brand's support of teenage changemakers.
“Teens on The Verge" Weekly Benefit Variety Shows
The Next Big Thing in Talent Shows, Celebrity Benefit Shows and Youth-Led Movements - All in One!
From a site-wide, season-long partnership to a specific talent category sponsorship, you can customize a partnership to your objectives and within your budget. We will be happy to discuss ways you may wish to leverage your investment as well!
Levels of Sponsorship:- Presenting partners – “Teens on The Verge, Presented by [name]”
- Official industry category - "Official [apparel, entertainment, mobile carrier, technology, beverage]" partner
- Specific talent category - “Film makers, Empowered by [name]”
- Specific weekly episode - “Teens on The Verge, Presented by [name], Episode 3 Sponsored by [name]”
- Specific cause segment within a weekly episode; Changemaker Awards
- Geography based (future) – currently nationwide
Support creative teams behind the scenes
Tech partners, judges, mentors/educational content, producers, merch, etc.
Visual & media artists
Create Verge Awards stages, trophies, animations, web content and more to be used in promotions
Musicians, composers, DJ's
Create Verge Awards theme songs, jingles, music for variety show segments, social posts
Video editors, producers, filmmakers
Produce segments for the weekly shows, video promotions and more
On-camera personalities
Be the face of The Verge Awards! Audition to emcee variety show segments, capture inspiring, educational or entertaining stories, create content for social media channels and more!
Student leaders, pep squads
Create your own cheering sections to rally support and help attract $millions from sponsors!
- The Launchpad for Teens on the Verge of GreatnessScholarships, internships, auditions and other special prizes and experiences will help lift teens to the highest heights!
Offer lifechanging prizes to teens you select (with or without our help!)
Perfect for corporations, college recruiters, talent agents, casting directors, studios, record labels and media companies that wish to recruit amazing talent, and for individual volunteers such as celebrities and other professionals who wish to mentor and support teens who are just like they were at the same age!
Select from teens who have already submitted to the broader Verge Awards programs or post your own custom challenges, auditions and more!
These awards are separate and in addition to any offered by The Verge Awards’ broader programming and will be administered by the offering individual, company or organization.
Cash - sponsorship, cause marketing, and media and entertainment marketing
100% of profit from shows will be donated to causes
Your investment will support operations, high quality production and promotion; 100% of remaining profit is donated to the Youth Impact Foundation (Verge Awards 501c3 Fund) to fund causes teens help select.
Major Presenting partners, cause-specific champions, weekly presenting partners, talent category sponsors - please call or email Linda Neaton at 203.449.5044, lneaton@thevergeawards.com
All other cash sponsors, please email lneaton@thevergeawards.com - we will have an online ordering system up shortly!
Prefer to receive charitable credit? Learn more here
Prizes - Products, services, scholarships and life-changing experiences
We welcome valuable prizes (that can earn charitable deductions) for entrants, randomly selected fans, educators and fundraising sweepstakes:
- in each talent category, such as musical instruments, art supplies, dance apparel, computers/laptops, graphic design or video editing software, film making or photography equipment, subscriptions, audio recording equipment and editing software and more.
- for all teens, such as apparel, footwear, music, entertainment, gaming, food and beverages, media, electronics, personal care, software subscriptions and so on.
- for parents, (in addition to many of those for teens) such as banking and financial services, mobile service providers, travel and hospitality, CPG, tax preparation services, etc.
- for teachers and administrators
Special note for colleges and universities - these are your future students; how about offering scholarships? (You select the recipients)
Corporations - same thing, how about a named scholarship for your future employees?
Celebrity Ambassadors, Media Donations, Marketing Platforms and Expertise
Help us cheer for these incredibly talented kids! Plus, the bigger the audience, the more recognition for all partners.
Offer your celebrity ambassadors the opportunity to support something personally meaningful. Have media to donate, or a social platform to share? Help us spread the word!
Budget-relieving assets, technology
Higher quality programming at lower costs means more funds for charity!
Support our programming, operations, production and distribution
Employee volunteers
Trying to retain your best creative talent?
Allow them to use their expertise to produce and promote weekly content, serve as mentors or provide educational programming, help screen entries and help build this uplifting movement!
- Now is the time.
"Gen Z prides itself in its creativity from our roots in content creation and consumption. We value originality amid a world fascinated with the ‘next big thing.’... Above all, we are using our creativity to channel our energy into creation during a time of stagnation by taking the time to invest in our passions, cultivate our individual interests, and find what inspires us." 63% of Gen Z reported an increase in creative tendencies during quarantine as opposed to 11% reporting a decrease and 23% who say it has stayed the same. Juv Consulting
"The third and fourth quarters of the year are likely to deliver continued focus on racial justice, a potential resurgence of Covid-19, one of the toughest hurricane seasons in years and an incredibly polarized political election season. But amidst this chaos comes great opportunity for brands to take a leadership position and accelerate consumer trust by focusing on purpose and meaningful, authentic social impact." Engage for Good
"In a world beset by a pandemic and all that accompanies it, including an economic recession and political uncertainty, consumers are crying out for brands that can be a beacon of optimism and resilience. This is true across every demographic we study — parents, millennials, Generation Z, and especially kids. In fact, there was a 23% increase in the “Staying Positive” Passion Point among 9-year-olds compared with 2019, and a 12% increase among Gen Z. Now would be a good time for brand stewards to make these emotions central to their brand’s purpose. " MIT Sloan Management Review 8-27-20
"Consumers and employees alike are discerning and will notice the brands that have a strong purpose and act on it. In fact, according to a new report by Accenture, 43% of consumers will walk away when disappointed by a brands’ words or actions on a social issue." Forbes
"COVID-19 elevates the social impact of every business and throws a spotlight on the nature of our companies, our character and our brand(s)." "...Why does your company exist? How does it contribute to societal, economic and environmental progress?" "A brand’s purpose will only be relevant if it sits within people’s own purpose, and not the other way around." Accenture
"Instead of keeping marketing initiatives status quo, or pulling them entirely, brands should consider how they can offer unique content or experiences that consumers will appreciate. It’s also important to offer consumers a way to stay connected while safe at home." MediaPost
“The more that brands can help people stay connected to communities, to passions, to learning, to like-minded people, to the thoughts and ideas, the more that they’re going to win. [I]t’s a humanity moment and it’s the right thing to do.” Tom Herbst, former CMO of the North Face
"Brands and rights holders need to embrace a modern and flexible digital strategy that enables them to compete for a fan’s attention on multiple channels." KORE“Younger people are very cynical about brands, especially large firms. They are seeking authenticity." Rohit Deshpande, professor of marketing, Harvard Business School. Vanity Fair continues, "Ultimately it would be inauthentic not to respond in some way to the COVID-19 crisis, the elephant in the world’s room.""The brand has to be visible. We cannot go dark. (But) this is a time to enable and not be opportunistic." Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar
"Brands that use their position and resources to be helpful and relevant during (crises) will leave a positive impression on consumers." Ryan Detert, CEO of Influential
