KATY’S POV
“I’ve been instructed to inform you of an opportunity for upper-level undergraduates.” Mrs. Tompson says, snapping her folder shut.
A few people instantly start closing laptops and zipping backpacks, the usual stampede energy of a college lecture about to end.
I join in, sliding my notes into my bag and half-listening, half-counting down the seconds until I can get out of here.
“It’s called the Blackrock Grant.”
The word grant cuts through the noise in my head like a bell. I pause mid-motion, fingers still on my zipper, and glance up.
“Some of you may be aware, but some may not,” she goes on. “Blackrock Corporation, every five years, awards one million dollars to the best student business innovation or new product.”
My eyes snap wide. Did she just say a million?
The low
