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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

Verizon Forward for Good Challenge in partnership with Clinton Global Initiative University

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

This Challenge encourages teams of current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. institutions, and Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) alumni, to leverage 5G and other leading-edge technology to advance equity within the U.S. in CGI U’s five focus areas (education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health). The initiative is part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement. The HBCU Founders Initiative and the United Negro College Fund are proud to join forces with Verizon and CGI U to inspire and support undergraduate and graduate students in tackling society’s greatest challenges across the five focus areas listed above through the Forward for Good Challenge. Finalists will receive access to intensive summer entrepreneurship training with accelerator partner VentureWell, seed funding, and living stipends to advance their solutions. 

HOW TO APPLY

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

  • Read the Prompt and Rubric to narrow down your project focus area
  • Form teams of 2-3 with complementary skill sets and experience
  • Attend at least one information session
  • Submit application by January 21, 2022

The project submission deadline is Friday, January 21, 2022. Applications will be reviewed by the Challenge Selection Committee, and all applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2022.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • All current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a U.S. institution, as well as CGI U alumni, who were previously or are currently enrolled in a U.S. institution are encouraged to apply.
  • Team members are not required to attend the same institution and CGI U alumni may partner with current students. No prior CGI U community engagement is required.
  • We welcome all applicants, and strongly encourage students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, and vocational and trade schools to apply.
  • We encourage participation from students with disabilities. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in completing the application or attending any information sessions, please contact [email protected].

Read more and apply.