This list will be updated with new questions as they arise
Q1: Who is eligible to participate in PUHC HIP?
Any undergraduate student (or equivalent) at the University of Pennsylvania. Part-time and post-baccalaureate students are encouraged to apply. All majors from all the undergraduate schools are eligible. You must be interested in health and submit a project that is targeted at solving a health problem.
Q2: What is PUHC HIP?
The Health Innovation Prize was born out of an interest from the PUHC exec members in bringing radical change to the health of Penn and Philadelphia. We saw a lot of the same or similar proposals coming through the general PUHC fund and we wanted to see what new, exciting projects that the Penn community could come up with.
We are offering $1000 to students who have big ideas for health-focused change on Penn’s campus and in the Philadelphia area. Through HIP, you as the applicant will design a proposal for a new health innovation project that targets a need you see in the community, you will bring that proposal to a PUHC constituent group for endorsement. Your application will be reviewed by the PUHC exec board, and the top 3-5 projects will become finalists.
Finalists will develop pitches and will participate in the Pitch Competition to determine the winner of the HIP. Projects are intended to be implemented throughout the spring semester and the winner will present on what they’ve accomplished at the end of the spring semester.
Q3: What projects are you looking for?
We are looking for projects, products, and programs.
Examples of projects: Partnering with a Philadelphia organization to offer free eyeglasses to low-income children, Mobile HIV testing in West Philly,
Examples of products: Medical technology aimed at reducing a health need, mobile application to track blood pressure,
Examples of programs: Health education programs in Philadelphia schools, Pipeline program for Philadelphia high schoolers interested in getting into medical school, starting a peer counseling service in the college dorms, teaching nutrition classes at a local gym, partnering with dining hall or SHS to offer vitamins to Penn students
*Products can be tangible or intangible (electronic programs) but can not be intended to be sold for profit.
**This prize is about implementation. As such, we are not looking for proposals for research.
Projects tend to be quantized, measurable, and action based. Products are things used to make consumer or patient lives better. Programs tend to be smaller scale and based on interaction between people.
Q4: Can I apply with an existing project?
No, the idea of HIP is to develop an idea and implement the project within the school year. We will not offer funding for a project that is already in place. Please apply to the general PUHC fund for this type of funding.
Q5: Does my application have to be endorsed by a PUHC Constituent group?
Yes, all applications must be accompanied by an endorsement from a PUHC Constituent group. This doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement with the group, but it serves as a way of showing the PUHC board that your project proposal is practical and well formulated, that your project targets a need in the community, and that your project has support behind it in case you need additional help.
You collaboration with a constituent group can be as hands on or hands off as you make it. Some constituent groups may be more willing to support you than others. You define the relationship with your endorsing group. If you need help with the project, those are the people to ask. If you think you can develop the proposal on your own, you are welcome to do that, but you must still submit a signed endorsement form from an exec member in a PUHC constituent group.
Q6: I can’t find a PUHC constituent group that matches my project. What do I do?
Contact vcinternal.puhc@gmail.com and we will help you match with a constituent group that fits your project.
Q7: What can PUHC HIP funds be spent on?
Any item that you can defend as necessary for the success of your project. This Prize does fund food, travel costs, venue costs, and supply costs, among many other potential items.
Q8: What is the PUHC HIP Timeline?
Sept. 29th: Applications Open
Oct. 27th: Applications and Endorsement forms due
Nov. 1st: Finalists are notified
Nov. 1st- Nov.26th: Finalists polish proposals and develop pitch presentations
Nov. 26th: Finalists present their project proposals at PUHC Pitch Competition. Winner is selected
Q9: Can I participate in more than one project?
You may not apply under more than one project. However, you may help with as many projects as you would like.
Q10: What is the maximum prize allotted in PUHC HIP?
$1000.
Q11: How many people can be on my team?
Teams may be comprised of up to five members on the application (including teams of one). However, you can have as many people as you would like participate in the project and help with the implementation of the project.
Q12: I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Please contact Precious at vcinternal.puhc@gmail.com if you have any questions not answered here.
Q1: Who is eligible to participate in PUHC HIP?
Any undergraduate student (or equivalent) at the University of Pennsylvania. Part-time and post-baccalaureate students are encouraged to apply. All majors from all the undergraduate schools are eligible. You must be interested in health and submit a project that is targeted at solving a health problem.
Q2: What is PUHC HIP?
The Health Innovation Prize was born out of an interest from the PUHC exec members in bringing radical change to the health of Penn and Philadelphia. We saw a lot of the same or similar proposals coming through the general PUHC fund and we wanted to see what new, exciting projects that the Penn community could come up with.
We are offering $1000 to students who have big ideas for health-focused change on Penn’s campus and in the Philadelphia area. Through HIP, you as the applicant will design a proposal for a new health innovation project that targets a need you see in the community, you will bring that proposal to a PUHC constituent group for endorsement. Your application will be reviewed by the PUHC exec board, and the top 3-5 projects will become finalists.
Finalists will develop pitches and will participate in the Pitch Competition to determine the winner of the HIP. Projects are intended to be implemented throughout the spring semester and the winner will present on what they’ve accomplished at the end of the spring semester.
Q3: What projects are you looking for?
We are looking for projects, products, and programs.
Examples of projects: Partnering with a Philadelphia organization to offer free eyeglasses to low-income children, Mobile HIV testing in West Philly,
Examples of products: Medical technology aimed at reducing a health need, mobile application to track blood pressure,
Examples of programs: Health education programs in Philadelphia schools, Pipeline program for Philadelphia high schoolers interested in getting into medical school, starting a peer counseling service in the college dorms, teaching nutrition classes at a local gym, partnering with dining hall or SHS to offer vitamins to Penn students
*Products can be tangible or intangible (electronic programs) but can not be intended to be sold for profit.
**This prize is about implementation. As such, we are not looking for proposals for research.
Projects tend to be quantized, measurable, and action based. Products are things used to make consumer or patient lives better. Programs tend to be smaller scale and based on interaction between people.
Q4: Can I apply with an existing project?
No, the idea of HIP is to develop an idea and implement the project within the school year. We will not offer funding for a project that is already in place. Please apply to the general PUHC fund for this type of funding.
Q5: Does my application have to be endorsed by a PUHC Constituent group?
Yes, all applications must be accompanied by an endorsement from a PUHC Constituent group. This doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement with the group, but it serves as a way of showing the PUHC board that your project proposal is practical and well formulated, that your project targets a need in the community, and that your project has support behind it in case you need additional help.
You collaboration with a constituent group can be as hands on or hands off as you make it. Some constituent groups may be more willing to support you than others. You define the relationship with your endorsing group. If you need help with the project, those are the people to ask. If you think you can develop the proposal on your own, you are welcome to do that, but you must still submit a signed endorsement form from an exec member in a PUHC constituent group.
Q6: I can’t find a PUHC constituent group that matches my project. What do I do?
Contact vcinternal.puhc@gmail.com and we will help you match with a constituent group that fits your project.
Q7: What can PUHC HIP funds be spent on?
Any item that you can defend as necessary for the success of your project. This Prize does fund food, travel costs, venue costs, and supply costs, among many other potential items.
Q8: What is the PUHC HIP Timeline?
Sept. 29th: Applications Open
Oct. 27th: Applications and Endorsement forms due
Nov. 1st: Finalists are notified
Nov. 1st- Nov.26th: Finalists polish proposals and develop pitch presentations
Nov. 26th: Finalists present their project proposals at PUHC Pitch Competition. Winner is selected
Q9: Can I participate in more than one project?
You may not apply under more than one project. However, you may help with as many projects as you would like.
Q10: What is the maximum prize allotted in PUHC HIP?
$1000.
Q11: How many people can be on my team?
Teams may be comprised of up to five members on the application (including teams of one). However, you can have as many people as you would like participate in the project and help with the implementation of the project.
Q12: I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Please contact Precious at vcinternal.puhc@gmail.com if you have any questions not answered here.