Social Impact Challenge

WHAT?

Calling all students and recent alums to develop their ideas to change lives, strengthen communities, and make a difference. Show off your innovative spirit to a panel of experts and potential investors, learn from experienced mentors, connect with like-minded peers from different majors, and earn recognition for your courage and creativity in the Social Impact Challenge.

WHY COMPETE?

  • Showcase your idea - present your innovative ideas to improve our world and demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit to a panel of judges and investors
  • Validate your solution - receive feedback from seasoned professionals
  • Compete for prizes - cash ($8,000 total prize money) and other resources
  • Build your network - connect with like-minded peers and mentors who can help you to launch your future
  • Gain recognition - demonstrate your skills and initiative on your resume

HOW TO COMPETE?

Enter the Social Impact Challenge in 4 easy steps:

    1. Gather your friends to form a team of 2-4 people, at least one must be a current Bradley student or recent alumnus. [Contact us if you need help formulating your team.]
    2. Dream your idea into existence. What do you want to change in the world?
    3. Design your entry and submit a 3-5 page paper describing your idea and how it connects to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Submission guidelines are available in this link.
    • Submissions Due: October 27, 2024 by 11:59 PM - Submit your entry here
    • A panel of judges scores submissions. The top competitors advance to the Final Round.
    4. Present your idea in a 10-minute pitch to judges on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Garrett Center.

MORE INFORMATION & MENTORING

Ready, set, innovate! We're here to coach, mentor, and cheer you on every step of the way - before, during, and after the competition. Receive expert guidance in crafting a top-notch submission and perfecting your pitch.

Let's dream, design, and develop your impactful ideas together!

  • Ideation Session 1: Monday, September 30, drop in between 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Westlake Hall 116
  • Ideation Session 2: Tuesday, October 15, drop in between 2:00 - 4:00 PM at BECC 1150
  • Additional Coaching by appointment: Contact Dr. Marcos Hashimoto mhashimoto2@bradley.edu

Pitch Presentations: November 13, 12:00 - 2:00 PM Garrett Center

Confidentiality

The Turner School considers all submitted ideas as confidential and treats all team matters as such. Due to the nature of the competition, complete confidentiality for proprietary matters cannot be guaranteed. Bradley University, the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the organizers of the competition are not responsible for any proprietary information and/or intellectual property included in a competition idea or submitted plan. Ultimately, protection of sensitive materials (such as: intellectual property, copyright, or patent confidentiality) is the sole responsibility of participating competitors. Non-Disclosure Agreements will not be signed by judges, mentors, or any Bradley University staff associated with the competition.

Financial Aid

Students can receive financial aid up to a Budgeted Cost of Attendance (COA), which is the estimated cost to attend Bradley University, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Please be aware that if this award exceeds your COA, it may cause other previously issued aid such as loans to be reduced. If aid is impacted by this award, distribution of the award can be delayed until the conclusion of the semester. All awards are taxable to the individual recipients.

For information call (309) 677-3890.