$20k Student Wellbeing Competition (2026)
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This competition focuses on innovative ideas and initiatives that promote the social wellbeing of students at Boston University. Ventures are evaluated on creativity, novelty, reach, and feasibility of implementation. The competition is made possible through partnerships across campus, with funding provided by BU Student Wellbeing, School of Hospitality Administration, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, School of Social Work, and College of Communication.

 

 

Please read the following information carefully. Student Wellbeing reserve the right to verify any submitted information for accuracy to address any circumstances in which the following rules are not followed, and to disqualify any entry. 

Eligibility, Requirements & Expectations

  • Teams must have at least one current BU degree-seeking student or a BU Class of 2025 alumni who is a co-founder, plays a key management role in the venture, and will take part as one of the main presenters in each competing round. 
  • Teams may include non-BU members if the previous requirement is met.  
  • The application should be submitted by the BU student or Class of 2025 alumni who is the founder or co-founder of the venture and will act as the primary team contact during the competition.
  • A team can consist of one up to a maximum of 5 members. We strongly recommend at least two members, as research shows teams have a greater likelihood of success than solo ventures.
  • All members must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.   
  • Teams are not required to have an operating venture or a full business plan to apply; any team with a great idea that is wellbeing-related can apply.  
  • Applicants must commit to being available to attend and participate in the Semi-finals, Finals, and Leadership Summit.  

The following requirements apply to all applications submitted for the Student Wellbeing Competition:  

  1. Ventures must be non-clinical concepts that support student wellbeing, specifically the dimension of social wellbeing. 
  2. Ventures must be student-facing and action-oriented, meaning the end users are current BU students who “do something” to learn how to support their own social wellbeing (i.e., there is an educational activity involved). 
  3. Ventures must be original and cannot replicate an existing resource or initiative at BU. 
  4. Delivery timeline: Summer 2026 or during the 2026-2027 academic year   

The winners of the Student Wellbeing Competition agree to two conditions:   

  1. Complete the Student Wellbeing Program Feedback Report once the venture has been completed to document impact, reach, and areas for improvement.  
  2. Participate in quarterly check-in meetings with the Managing Director of Student Wellbeing leading up to the delivery of the venture. 

Participant Expectations  

This is a multi-round competition with many moving parts and logistics, including locations, dates and time, materials that may need to be emailed/collected in advance, etc.  You are expected to be responsive to communications that will be sent by email.  If you don’t respond to an email within 48 hours, we may assume that you are not participating in the next stage of the competition.