“Where Early Pioneers Went West, A New Generation Will Go East”
In keeping with the Crossland Group’s interest in innovation and the Millennial generation, a particular program, the Millennial Trains Project, recently caught our eye. In its effort to inspire a young generation, and build confidence in America’s potential, this nonprofit uses transcontinental railway journeys to inspire and bring Millennials together.
The trip began August 8 and will continue through August 17. During these ten days, some of America’s most enterprising and entrepreneurial Millennials have come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and take advantage of opportunities for personal development. Along the route, from the Bay Area to Washington, D.C., participants have the opportunity to boost their leadership skills and work together to become better leaders and inspire others in their generation to do the same.
The most interesting element about this project, however, is that it’s entirely crowd funded, or “crowd-hitched,” as it is referred to in this case. To earn a spot on the train, Millennials launched their own campaigns online and in-person, in order to build support for their own concept projects. With the specific stipulation that each project must “benefit, inspire, and serve others,” the first twenty campaigns to reach the $5,000 mark secured a spot on the train.
The train travel takes place mainly during the night. During the day, however, the trains pull into stations across the nation, stopping in Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, before ending up in D.C. At each location, the Millennials and their mentors get off the train and visit factories and businesses and meet with innovators and local leaders. The goal is not only to provide additional stimulus for improving their own projects, but to revitalize the notion that America is not in decline, and that at its heart, is a nation of pioneers.
What are your thoughts on this project? Do you think such a project could have a genuine benefit for society, or does it just benefit the participants? Have you taken part in an immersion program designed to encourage innovation?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us via @CrosslandGroup or comment below.
Read more about the project here, or watch the video below.
The Millennial Trains Project from Millennial Trains Project on Vimeo.












