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Youth Innovation Sneaker Dripping
Youth Innovation, Design & Human Expression Lab
Sneaker design is storytelling. It carries culture, geography, memory, and identity.
It also carries human dignity, voice, and the right to be seen.
Sneaker Dripping™ invites youth to explore the right to identity, expression, belonging, movement, and culture, through design.
This is the Human Right to Be.
[ Submit Your Design ] [ Why Identity Matters ]
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Human Rights Integration
In partnership with global youth human rights organizations (CCHR, USIDHR, Youth for Human Rights International, etc.) the Expo introduces:
Track Theme
Belonging & Home
Movement & Transition
Voice & Story
Care & Legacy
This is not about protest.
This is about cultural truth and the right to exist fully.
What Sneaker Dripping™ Is
This is not a “craft project.”
This is:
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Youth culture.
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Street art energy.
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Design as storytelling.
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Identity as wearable expression.
Every pair is a language.
Every pair is a world.
Every pair says: This is who I am.
Come see me.
The Human Story Behind the Design
Sneaker Dripping™ features the Human Rights Through Design™ Track, where youth explore identity, belonging, movement, memory, and care through visual expression.
No activism.
No politics.
Just the right to be seen.
Themes include:
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Home & Belonging
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Movement & Change
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Voice & Expression
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Legacy & Care
Youth don’t just design shoes.
They design identity.
Sneaker Dripping™ LIVE AUCTION
Limited Edition
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Custom Art Kicks
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Rare Grails
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Youth-Created Originals
Held: Inside The Pavilion (April 25, 2026)
Moderated by: Shoe Culture Enthusiasts + Auction Host
Why this works:
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Sneaker culture has status gravity, it draws teens.
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Live auctions create energy, hype, and visibility.
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Youth see their culture valued economically & socially.
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DJ + crowd reaction + MC on mic.
Auction Items Include:
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Youth Finalist Signature Pairs
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Limited Edition Drops from Partners
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Rare Releases from Sneaker Archives
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Veteran / Celebrity / Athlete Custom Collabs
[ Apply to Have Your Work Auctioned ]
[ Become an Auction Sponsor ]
Awards
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Sneaker Dripping™ Torchbearer of Design Award
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Emerging Designer Award (ages 10–14)
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Young Visionary Award (ages 15–18)
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Innovation in Identity Award (ages 19–21)
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People’s Choice — Live House Vote
Grand Recognition:
Finalists are also showcased at:
America’s Torchbearers Showcase
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (A Simon Mall)
The world will see you.
How To Enter
Submit:
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3–5 photos of your design
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Optional 30-second detail video
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Your Design Story (250 words max)
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Consent form if under 18
[ Submit Your Design ] [ Join the Creator Waitlist ]
Sneaker Dripping tm
Where Creativity Marches with Purpose
DESIGNING FOR RIGHTS, SERVICE & IDENTITY
Wear Your Voice. Every Step Tells a Story
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ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Sneaker Dripping™ Competition at the Military Child World Expo 2026 celebrates the creative power and resilience of military-connected youth and their civilian counterparts.
Each design tells a story of service, identity, and self-expression from the first sketch to the final drip. Participants use art, innovation, and entrepreneurial vision to craft one-of-a-kind sneakers that represent a new era of design and social impact.
Who Can Enter
Ages 10+, worldwide.
Military-connected or civilian, anyone can create.