Dell Social Innovation Challenge for College Students

Posted by on January 14, 2013

College Students Worldwide Invited to Enter Dell Social Innovation Challenge
Deadline: January 28, 2013

Administered by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, the Dell Social Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support promising young social innovators from any country who dedicate themselves to solving the world’s most pressing problems with transformative ideas. The program provides selected university students with teaching and training as well as start-up capital and access to a network of mentors and advisors.

Currently enrolled university and college students are invited to create project entries and compete in the annual grand-prize competition. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and Ph.D. students in any field of study are eligible to enter. Students that graduated in the semester prior to the deadline (for example, December 2012) are eligible to enter. Students may enter as an individual, or with a team of students.

The program defines social innovation as an idea that significantly improves results around existing social or environmental problems. Because the program is looking for innovations that can grow to create global impact, students’ passion and abilities to drive such growth are as important as their innovative ideas. Eligible entries include everything from early stage ideas to mature projects that are up and running.

Judges will evaluate entries on the clarity of the innovation and significance of social impact potential; demonstration of a high probability of success; and potential impact from winning.

The competition provides over $350,000 annually in cash and in-kind prizes. The Grand Prize Awards, chosen by a panel of judges, provide five cash prizes totaling $140,000.

Projects will be selected from each stage of development, world region, and social impact area. Finalists and Specialty Award winners will be flown to Austin for a weekend of mentoring, workshops, and other activities. Semi-finalists will be matched with mentors for one-on-one coaching and feedback.

Visit the DSIC Web site for complete program guidelines, entry procedures, and information on winning projects.

http://www.dellchallenge.org/about/about-dsic