Social Impact Pitch Competition Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of health communication tools can we create?
A: The tools can be as creative as you’d like! Some examples include videos, podcasts, infographics, data visualizations, social media campaigns, or even an app. The key is to address public health misinformation effectively and creatively. Consider tools that resonate with your target audience and use platforms where they are most active.
Q: How do we meet the interdisciplinary team requirement?
A: Teams must include students from at least two different majors, such as public health and business or communications and computer science. This diversity is essential because tackling misinformation requires different perspectives—combining creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking.
Q: Can I participate if I don’t have a team yet?
A: Absolutely! If you're interested but don’t have a team, let us know. We can help connect you with other students looking to form teams. This is a great opportunity to network and meet like-minded peers.
Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Projects will be judged on creativity, feasibility, impact potential, scalability, and how well the pitch is delivered. For example:
- Creativity: Does the idea stand out as innovative?
- Feasibility: Can this idea be realistically implemented?
- Impact Potential: How well does it address misinformation and its consequences?
- Scalability: Could this solution be adapted for larger or different audiences?
Q: What support will participants receive?
A: Participants will have access to:
- Feedback from mentors at the Lerner Center and Blackstone LaunchPad.
- Templates for creating executive summaries and team profiles.
- Opportunities to attend workshops on pitching, research methods, and tool development.
Q: What if I’m not sure about my idea yet?
A: That’s okay! You can attend the Q&A sessions and use the mentorship provided to refine your idea. We also encourage you to look at examples of past projects in related competitions to spark inspiration.
Q: Will there be networking opportunities?
A: Yes! Finalists will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of experts and stakeholders, opening doors for future collaborations, partnerships, and mentorship.
Q: Can I still participate if I have other commitments?
A: Yes, the competition is designed to accommodate student schedules. Most of the work can be done on your own timeline. Key deadlines, such as registration and submissions, are provided in advance so you can plan ahead.
Q: What happens after the competition?
A: Winners will receive funding, mentorship, and support to implement their ideas. We’ll also showcase their projects on the Lerner Center website and in communications to amplify their impact.