Public voting has begun for the 2015 Big Ideas People’s Choice Video Contest. Twenty-five innovative, student-led teams are now vying for $2,500 to support their social impact projects. The videos represent the broad scope and diversity of the projects in this year’s Big Ideas contest, covering issues such as clean water, mobile education, food security, and renewable energy.
Since 2005, the Big Ideas@Berkeley contest has supported student social innovation. The annual competition now spans 18 universities across the U.S., Uganda, and Australia. In November 2014, more than 200 student teams, representing over 700 students submitted ideas. Since then, finalists have been through two rounds of judging, an eight-week mentorship period, and numerous workshops to help them refine their ideas. Winners will be formally announced at the Big Ideas Awards Celebration on May 5, 2:00-4:00pm, in B100 Blum Hall at UC Berkeley.
The People’s Choice Video Contest is an additional way for teams to gain funding and support for their ideas, as well as a means to showcase the variety of this year’s projects. “The video contest is a terrific opportunity for these student innovators to talk directly to the public about the incredible work they are doing,” said Big Ideas Manager Phillip Denny. “Anyone who watches these videos will immediately sense the passion of the students and be inspired by their creative projects to improve society.”
Videos are now available for public vote on the Big Ideas Facebook page. Don’t miss your opportunity to help choose this year’s winner: http://bit.ly/1bLj4fP Voting will take place until Monday, May 4. The video with the most votes will receive a $2,500 award and will be announced at the Big Ideas Awards Celebration on May 5.
For more information, please contact the Big Ideas team:
bigideas [at] berkeley.edu
(510) 666-9120