After winning a monthly contest sponsored by the Web site Ideablob.com, Hammock's group, Project Epiphany, will use the funds to start a pilot program this fall with a youth organization in Atlanta.

Project Epiphany offers urban elementary and middle school students a chance to learn astronomy principles.

The group's first camping trip, which will be co-sponsored by the Sierra Club, is tentatively scheduled for September.

Ami Kassar, Advanta's chief innovation officer, said the credit card company, which has a Draper office, funds a new winner each month.

"We don't pick the ideas, the winners are picked by the community," Kassar said. "It's very democratic . . . and is a way to help small businesses."

"We think it's an exciting project. It could turn out as a great nonprofit someday. We're very pleased to give the prize every month," Kassar said.

Hammock plans to use most of the $10,000 prize to buy equipment such as a solar telescope, so teens can look at the sun during the day. She also plans to use the award money to pay for Web design and additional field trips.

"Project Epiphany has grown naturally out of my interests in science education and social justice," Hammock said. "With this award from ideablob.com, I'll be able to get kids out of the city to experience real astronomy with real equipment."

Ideablob.com allows small business owners and entrepreneurs share ideas and receive feedback, advice and support. Ð Scott Murphy

The contest

* The contest continues through September. For more information, visit www.ideablob.com.