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Indian American teen wins Student Impact Challenge
Nandana Menon was among five global finalists selected to present their projects before a panel of industry experts at the SXSW EDU Expo in Austin, Texas, held in early March.
Nandana Menon. / LinkedIn
Eighteen-year-old Nandana Menon, an Indian American high school senior, secured first place in the South by Southwest (SXSW) EDU Expo’s prestigious Student Impact Challenge. The annual competition, presented this year by the Allstate Foundation, recognizes high school students making a significant impact in their communities, offering them a platform to refine their ideas, showcase their talents, and gain valuable experience.
Menon was among five global finalists selected to present their projects before a panel of industry experts at the SXSW EDU Expo in Austin, Texas, held in early March. The event provided an opportunity for students to display their skills through innovative projects spanning various academic subjects.
Following her win, Menon took to LinkedIn to express her gratitude: “The SXSW Student Impact Challenge was an incredible and eye-opening experience that I had the privilege of being part of this year! I am truly honored to be one of just five students worldwide selected to pitch my project in Austin, TX.”
She added: “Even more exciting, I had the chance to connect with inspiring individuals like Tiana Day, one of the judges, who ultimately selected Spark as the winner! I am beyond grateful to have received the prestigious SXSW trophy and $5,000 in funding to further my project.”
Menon’s winning project, Spark, is an educational app designed to support children with autism by providing customized therapy plans, sensory resources, and caregiver support.
Judge Tiana Day, a social impact entrepreneur and activist, praised Menon’s work, stating: “Congratulations to the incredible winner of our competition, Nandana Menon with her organization ‘Spark,’ an educational app used to support children with autism, providing customized therapy plans, support, sensory resources, and care.”
Fellow judge Junita S. also commended Menon’s efforts, writing on LinkedIn: “Biggest congrats to Nandana Menon, founder of Spark, for the win! Her work supporting autistic children is already making a difference, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. University of Pennsylvania would be lucky to have her in the fall.”
Passion for advocacy and innovation
A senior at South Fayette Township High School, Menon is the founder of the Autism Unity Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting autistic children, their parents, and therapists. Through her initiative, she has developed a platform that offers comprehensive resources and engaging activities tailored to children with autism.
Menon’s innovative approach to problem-solving extends beyond autism support. She was a winner of the 2024 CGI IT Girl Challenge, where she and a classmate developed TABU, an app designed to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse addiction. The duo received a $20,000 scholarship for their efforts.
At South Fayette High School, Menon has distinguished herself as a student leader. She serves as president of the National Honor Society (NHS), the student representative on the School Board, and a facilitator for the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Committee.
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