A long, long, LONG year ago, Burton Snowboards and YouthVenture agreed to partner with me on the

so that we could fund the best youth-led ideas to change the world. We pledged to give away $12,000 in Challenge Grant funds.

And today--at long last--the judging of the grant applications began. I can't tell you how gratifying it was to meet some of the applicants in person and hear their ideas firsthand. These teens blew me away with their passion and smarts and poise.

Go, teens who are changing the world!