Student organization pitch competition
Turn your idea into global health impact
Our pitch competition invites interdisciplinary U-M student organizations to co-design a global health solution with an international partner, then pitch it for funding. Teams work alongside CGHE staff and faculty to refine their project before presenting to a panel of judges, with continued center support carrying the winning projects into implementation.
What teams receive
- Training and oversight through a preparatory workshop before proposals are due.
- Direct support from CGHE staff and faculty to refine finalist projects ahead of the pitch.
- Funding for every finalist, with the top team receiving up to $5,000.
- Continued center guidance through project implementation.
Eligibility
Open to established U-M student organizations (SSOs, RSOs, VSOs with a current Maize Page listing) with an interdisciplinary roster and a demonstrated international partnership in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). Attending the introductory workshop is mandatory for any organization that wants to submit a proposal.
Organizations that attend the workshop may form a team of 4-6 students to submit a proposal. The team must include:
- At least one undergraduate member.
- Representation from multiple disciplines, including at least one member from the social sciences or humanities.
Projects must be student-driven, not the research (or a subset of the research) of a faculty member, though faculty and staff mentorship is required. Teams don't need to be formed to attend the workshop; organizations can recruit additional members afterward. Contact globalhealthequity@umich.edu with eligibility questions.
How to apply
Attend the introductory workshop, teams then submit a project proposal. A select group of finalists is chosen to advance, receiving CGHE consulting to refine their project before pitching to a panel of judges at the competition.
The process
Not sure if you're eligible? Want to learn more?
For questions about this program, contact globalhealthequity@umich.edu.