Jason Carrier dreams of running an inspirational T-shirt business and offering college scholarships to Maine students. Kaitlin Gallagher dreams of opening a store, studio and gallery dedicated to recycled art.

They both dream of winning $25,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project, a Pepsi grant competition to find and fund ideas that will change communities for the better.

And today is the last day to vote for them at www.RefreshEverything.com.

Name: Jason Carrier

Age: 31

Hometown: Rumford, Maine

Current town: Los Angeles, Calif.

Married/relationship/single: Single

Job: Creator and owner of Live Inspired For Today (LIFT)

Name: Kaitlin Gallagher

Age: 25

Hometown: Northport

Current town: Turner

Married/relationship/single: Relationship

Job: Graphics/Production Assistant, Employment Times

Tell us about your program:

Carrier: LIFT is an inspirational T-Shirt Brand that encourages all people to make a positive impact in their own lives and to make a difference in the lives of others.

Gallagher: The Artist Re-Source will be a three-part organization consisting of a store, studio and gallery dedicated to re-sourcing items — destined for landfills — into “recycled” art projects. The store will, through donations, collect arts and craft materials, supplies and everyday items that can be used to create art. The store is also where individuals and organizations can then purchase these items at low cost so they can create “recycled” art projects. The studio will be a creative area where hands-on, how-to workshops will be held for all ages. These workshops will all revolve around different art projects that use re-sourced materials. The gallery will be a space where artists of all ages can display and sell their “recycled” art. An organization that is multi-faceted in its rewards, The Artist Re-Source will not only help to inspire creative minds but will provide supplies as well as spaces to create and display artwork — all while recycling.

How did you come up with your idea?

Carrier: Volunteering for a summer in Tijuana, Mexico ,where I was able to encourage and inspire youth from across the country each week through my words. These words were my desire to “lift” them up as we openly discussed the more difficult parts of their lives.

Gallagher: It all started with a search for bottle caps. I have been casually collecting metal bottle caps (crowns) since college. One day I told myself that I had to do something with them. As a product of a creative home I saw their potential, but would need many more than I had on hand. So I turned to Craigslist. After posting my want ad for caps — and before being flagged as spam — I came across an organization in the Midwest with the same basic premise, to collect and re-distribute art supplies. Building on this premise, I would like create a place that fosters the creative process from idea through to the finished product, all while being eco-conscious. I believe that “being green” isn’t a fad, but a responsibility.

Why enter the Pepsi contest?

Carrier: It’s time to let people know there is a new brand beginning and that LIFT has the ability to transform lives.

Gallagher: Why not? The Artist Re-Source is something that I want to roll out eventually, grant or not. Funding from the Pepsi Refresh Project will just make it come about that much sooner.

What do you hope comes from entering?

Carrier: An initial fan-base of people who believe in the power of living a positive life and making an impact in our world.

Gallagher: If not the grant — then at least getting the idea out in the open, which may be just the kick in the butt I need to get this thing off the ground.

What will you do with $25,000?

Carrier: $10K will go to two Maine high school seniors, $5K will build a community-based Web site and online store, $5K will create, print and launch our first line of T-Shirts and $5K will be used to put LIFT at conferences and music festivals.

Gallagher: $25,000 will be a huge chunk of the start-up costs for the organization. It would go toward finding a location, setting up the location for business and getting it ready to open its doors to the people of L/A.

What if you don’t win?

Carrier: LIFT will continue printing our first line of T-shirts regardless, and we will also re-apply for the Pepsi grant later this year (most likely in the summer or fall).

Gallagher: If I don’t win then I’ll be raising the money on my own to start up the Artist Re-Source. My goal is to have it up and running in five years, hopefully before that. To make that money I have a side project where I re-source metal bottle caps into coasters, trivets, and larger sculptural pieces. I then sell those on Etsy.

Which is better, Pepsi, Coke or Moxie?

Carrier: Funny enough, I actually have to say Moxie!

Gallagher: Whichever one is sporting a metal bottle cap.

Vote for Kaitlin here.