About The Rise Prize

Who should apply to the Rise Prize?

The Rise Prize is for US-based organizations of any age, size, or type that are currently working on direct impact initiatives for student parents as well as other students, for example:

• Nonprofit organizations
• For-profit companies, including edtech solutions
• Higher education institutions, including departments or teams within higher education institutions; academic institution associations; or alternative career pathways programs, including workforce programs, credentialing programs, and bootcamps

Can my organization apply even if the organization / solution is not specifically targeted towards student parents?

Yes. We recognize that student parents are a population that intersects with many other populations, such as first-generation students, working adults, and justice-involved individuals.

As long as your target population includes student parents and you are able to articulate in your application how your program will directly impact student parents, it will be a good fit for the Rise Prize.

We have an idea but have yet to demonstrate any pilots or success, can we still apply?

Yes! We encourage those with early-stage ideas to apply for the Early Stage application pool.

Can my organization apply even if I don't have a solution in place already?

Yes, you can still apply—and we want you to apply! Your organization would need to have a new idea anchored in initial customer validation (user testing or pilots, market research, plan for customer validation, or a feasibility study). This could include:

• Pre-seed and seed startups that have developed a plan for customer validation and research
• Established organizations exploring new ideas and solutions for student parents
• Academic institutions and social ventures at testing or pilot phases

We are a small organization but we have conducted customer validation, end-user testing, and market research. To which pool do we apply?

Organizations with ideas that have demonstrated product/market fit and strength of the market as well as measured impact on customers/end users should apply in the Mature Stage prize pool. In cases where applicants did not select the correct application pool, Prize evaluators will reassign applicants following consultation.

What conditions or reporting requirements are attached to winning the Rise Prize?

No. Since the Rise Prize is awarded as prize money, there are no conditions or reporting requirements attached to winning the Rise Prize, but we hope to stay in touch on the impact of your solution.

Is there a project period / time period for completion of the project and funds after being awarded?

No – since the funds are awarded as prize money, there are no spending requirements or project periods attached to the Rise Prize.

Can the funds be spent on scholarships / support funds for student parents in our program?

Yes. The prize money may be used to provide scholarships to student parents.

Will the sponsors of the Rise Prize take an equity stake in the winning organizations?

No - the funds are awarded as “no strings attached” prize funding. The Rise Prize team will not take any equity stake in the winning organizations.

My organization is based outside of the US and serves student parents in other global regions. Can we apply?

No, the challenge is intended for US-based organizations serving student parents domestically.

Can I apply as an individual?

No. The Rise Prize is open to for-profit, non-profit organizations, and traditional and non-traditional postsecondary programs. Departments within postsecondary institutions are welcome to apply.

Is there a fee to submit our entry?

No. There is no fee to submit an entry.

We missed the submission deadline. Can we still apply?

No. Unfortunately, applications not completed and submitted by the application deadline will not be accepted. All entry materials need to be submitted by May 17, 2020 at 11:59pm EST.

Can the application be completed in a language other than English?

All answers must be written in English.

We have had investment or a grant from Imaginable Futures, The Omidyar Group and/or Lumina—can we still apply?

Yes!

Will applications be made public?

You will have the option to make your application public or private based on whether you would like to use the platform to network with other applicants.

Will finalists be able to choose their preferred advisor?

No. However, we will match finalists with the advisor best fitted with the domain knowledge to help refine the solution.

Who will determine the winners?

A team of subject-matter experts, who bring a range of perspectives to the table, will evaluate each entry. The judges include: Ascend Parent Advisors, experts in postsecondary education and economic mobility, and staff from Imaginable Futures, Lumina, and Entangled.

When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be notified July 3, 2020.

Will Imaginable Futures and Lumina take equity in my organization if we are awarded the prize?

No. The prize money is meant to accelerate the most innovative solutions for student parents.

Are there any specific dates that applicants need to be available for?

Yes. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to give a virtual pitch to our judges on June 24 and 25. Winners will be selected and notified on July 2, 2020.

How will prizes be awarded?

8 winners from the Early Stage category will be awarded $50,000 each.

5 winners from the Mature Stage category will be awarded $200,000 each.

1 winner for the Risers’ Choice will be awarded $100,000. Risers’ Choice winner will be selected by the Ascend PSP Parent Advisor judges.

Why was our entry disqualified?

Disqualification can happen for several reasons, including but not limited to:

• Failing to meet submission requirements
• Failing to attend required events, such as the finalist video pitch session
• Violating the official rules, terms, or conditions of the Rise Prize
• Submitting content that is not original

Can I speak with someone on the Rise Prize team to assess if my organization is a good fit for the Rise Prize?

Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests, we cannot provide personalized support to applicants over the phone. However, our team is happy to answer any questions over email at info@theriseprize.com.