How BE-EDGE Consult-a-thon Prepares Students for the Future of Work and Supports the Communities That Need Them Most
In a crowded job market, many students struggle to answer the question: “What real value can I bring?”
At the same time, local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and leaders face real challenges but often lack the resources to access strategic support.
What if both problems could be solved together?
That’s exactly what the BE-EDGE Consult-a-thon was built for. It’s not a competition. It’s not a classroom exercise. It’s a living bridge between global talents and community need.
The Consult-a-thon in Action
Over the 2 intensive weekend, students will step into the role of consultants. They meet with local business owners and community leaders who are facing tough, often urgent challenges — from growing a nonprofit’s reach to helping a restaurant bounce back post-pandemic.
Each student team chooses a project that aligns with what matters to them personally. They go deep — researching, strategizing, and building a prototype or plan that can be implemented immediately. And they don’t stop at recommendations. They pitch their solutions directly to the clients, take feedback, and often follow through.
For Students: The Future of Work Starts Here
The future doesn’t belong to those who simply have degrees. It belongs to those who can solve real problems, adapt fast, and communicate their value clearly.
BE-EDGE’s Consult-a-thon gives participants exactly that:
- Real stakes: They work on live cases, not hypotheticals.
- Real skills: Research, design thinking, teamwork, and communication.
- Real impact: Clients walk away with something they can actually use.
- Real relationships: Many students gain internships, long-term connections, and career references from the experience.
It’s career prep with soul and substance.
For Communities & Partners: Access to Global Talent That Cares
Every organization that joins as a Case Client brings a genuine challenge and leaves with new possibilities.
Whether it’s a community development office or a family-run food business, partners get:
- Fresh eyes and new thinking from globally diverse student teams
- A tailored action plan — whether it’s a marketing strategy, financial prototype, or user experience redesign
- Energized partnership: Many choose to continue working with students after the Consult-a-thon ends
This isn’t charity. It’s collaboration.
Why This Model Works
The magic of the Consult-a-thon isn’t just in the results. It’s in the mindset it cultivates.
- Students start seeing themselves as creators of value, not just job seekers.
- Organizations start viewing young talent as collaborators, not just interns.
- Everyone walks away with clarity, confidence, and often, a renewed sense of purpose.
This Is What The Future of Work Looks Like
It’s human-centered. It’s impact-oriented. And it’s already happening — right here at BE-EDGE.
If you’re ready to turn learning into action, talent into transformation, and connection into real community impact…
Join the next BE-EDGE Consult-a-thon You won’t just gain experience you’ll make one.
Want to Become a Partner Organization?
Whether you’re a nonprofit, a community group, or a small business — if you have a meaningful challenge and are open to collaborating with bright, purpose-driven talent, we’d love to work with you.
Partner with us here and become part of the next BE-EDGE Consult-a-thon.
