ACCELERATE
Pitch Competition

About Accelerate

The Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU) is excited to introduce Accelerate, a pioneering pitch competition dedicated to fostering innovative solutions for adult learners at public urban research universities across the United States.

Accelerate aims to bring together creative minds and visionaries at USU institutions who are passionate about addressing the unique challenges faced by adult learners in our higher education system. We believe that by harnessing the power of research-backed ideas and innovative thinking, we can create tangible, positive changes for this critical demographic.

Our focus is on elevating and advancing groundbreaking ways to support adult learners, with an emphasis on solutions grounded in research. We understand that universities may need investment and financial resources to either create or scale their programs, so awards through the Accelerate competition will help launch a new initiative or help grow an existing program for adult learners.

We invite employees at USU member institutions to submit a pitch video of no more than 5 minutes, describing your idea to support adult learners.

Eligibility

Participants must be employed at a USU Member Institution
Participants must have completed at least one Component of the Urban Adult Learner Institute (UALI) by the time of submission

Prize

$10,000

The winning team will receive $10,000 to support the pitched initiative. Funds may only be used for efforts within the scope of the original pitch. USU will distribute one award for this competition. Prize money will be disbursed directly to the USU institution of the winning team.

Submission Guidelines

Register for UALI and Complete at least One Component
Submit the Accelerate: Intent to Compete form by February 1, 2024
Create a video of no more than 5 minutes
Send .mov file of submission to uali@usucoalition.org by April 1, 2024

Judging Criteria

Innovation of the Initiative

The pitch should be novel to the institution or higher education.

Key Questions: How is this idea different than what has already been done? How will this challenge existing systems at your institution?

Integration of Research

The pitch should be grounded in data, theory, and existing literature.

Key Questions: What does the existing literature say about your idea? How will you use data, theory, and current research to inform and implement your idea?

Feasibility of Implementation

The pitch should have realistic goals.

Key Questions: Given your institution's existing funding structure and budget, how will the funds be used for initial implementation or scaling?

Potential for Positive Impact

The pitch should make a difference.

Key Questions: How will you believe this will positively affect adult learners based on data, research, institutional culture, etc.?

Timeline

Wednesday, November 1, 2023:

Launch Webinar

(recording located in UALI Google Drive)

Thursday, February 1, 2024:

Accelerate: Intent to Compete Form Due

(located in the UALI Google Drive)

Monday, April 1, 2024:

Pitch Videos Due to uali@usucoalition.org

Wednesday, May 1, 2024:

Winner Announced and Prize Awarded

Contact Information

For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding Accelerate or the Urban Adult Learner Institute (UALI), please email uali@usucoalition.org

ACCELERATE Pitch Competition