Student Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge

• Have questions about your pitch? Register to speak to the Innovation team on the first Wednesday of the month at noon (12 - 1 p.m.). To register, email: innovation@csmd.edu. 
• If you aren't able to meet at that time, send an email to: innovation@csmd.edu 

Competition Rules

• Eligibility: All students must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the competition guidelines. 
• Submission Limit: Students are allowed to submit multiple pitches for consideration. 
• Award Limitation: Regardless of the number of submissions, each finalist is eligible to place only once among the top three positions (first, second, or third). If multiple pitches from the same finalist qualify for top rankings, only the highest-ranking pitch will be considered for award. 
• Judging Criteria: All submissions will be evaluated independently based on innovation, alignment with strategic plan, feasibility, impact, and presentation quality. 
• Deadline: Fall ______; Spring _______. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Guidelines

• Both video pitch and worksheet are required for completed submission.
  • Record your video pitch (no more than 3 minutes).
  • Upload video to your preferred platform: OneDrive in Office 365, YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. (not TikTok).
  • Rename the link to your name, copy the link, and email the link to innovation@csmd.edu.
  • Complete the I Have an Idea Worksheet.
• Please, no profanity and no visual or audible distractions.
• Individuals or groups may participate—maximum group size 3.
• We encourage your team to attend an Info or coaching session.
• Students must be currently registered at the time of submission.
• Include your name and year in your video.

Semifinalists (Awarded in Fall and Spring Semesters)

• Semi-finalists each semester will each receive a $200 scholarship.

Grand Champions (Awarded Once a Year)

• First Place:
  • Project Funded
  • One 3-credit scholarship award (valued at $500 for each team member)
• Second Place: 
  
  • Dell laptop
• Third Place:
  
  • CSM Swag Bag

• Your set-up should be in a well-lit area with the light source somewhere behind the recording device. If the light source is behind you, it will cause a silhouette effect.
• Use a tripod or set your mobile device on something steady.
• Record video on mobile device horizontally, not vertically.
• If possible, record video with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080.
• Video editing (if necessary)—use apps like iMovie and CapCut.

CSM will work with the first-place winner to make sure their idea comes to fruition. 

• The College Innovation Work Group will identify the impacted departments and contact them prior to the voting period. 
• Funding for the project will come from the Innovation Fund.
• The first-place recipient is invited to participate on the planning team if their time allows, but they are in no way required to do so. 
• Funding will only be provided once and does not carry over to a new fiscal year. 

Please note that upon submitting an idea, you will be responsible for overseeing its development and ensuring its successful implementation.