Vanderbilt U. students can vote for two student-led organizations competing in the Pepsi Refresh America Project.
Just Yell Fire (JYF), founded by sophomore Dallas Jessup, is currently ranked 35 out of 1,000 project ideas to receive a $250,000 grant. The top two projects in the running for the $250,000 grant will each receive the grant.
According to the JYF website, the mission of the organization is to “put predators out of business” by education young woman about self –defense.
“Send a text a day and save a girls life,” Jessup said. “ It’s a great way for people to get involved on campus without having to be involved in the technical aspects of production.”
According the Jessup, the grant would be used to fund a sequel to the first JYF film focused on college aged women and human trafficking.
“My neighbor’s 14 year old got away from an attacker just 2 months after seeing this film. I’m a believer. Thank you,” said commenter “Carla A.” on the project website.
Triple Thread Apparel, a social business venture founded by senior Kyle McCollom, is in the running for a $25,000 grant and is number 33 out of 1,000 projects. All organizations in the top 10 will receive the grant.
According to their website, Triple Thread’s mission is to “create quality custom apparel for you, your business, your organization, or your non-profit, while reconciling former offenders to society through employment and job-training.”
For Triple Thread, winning the grant would mean growing the business even further.
“It will accelerate the rate at which we are able to make an impact in the community,” said sophomore Patrick McBride, director of public relations at Triple Thread Apparel.
Triple Thread is hosting an official launch party today to celebrate the $10,000 Kickstarter grant they have earned.
“Last September, Triple Thread was just an idea. Over the past 12 months, we have built a strong student team, gained support from multiple organizations and professionals throughout the country, developed a business plan, won second place in the Vanderbilt Business Competition, earned a grant through the Clinton Global Initiative, raised over $10,000 through Kickstarter.com, rented a warehouse, purchased screen-printing equipment, developed a website, hired an experienced manager, and have employed a former offender living at the Dismas House,” said senior Deno Sclarides, a member of the Triple Thread startup team.
Voting for the Pepsi Refresh grants is open until the end of the month of September.