At ETSU, the values of society and community impact and improvement are highly regarded. ETSU Elevates provides students with an opportunity for social impact and a platform to share ideas on how to address societal problems. Students can apply with their solutions to address an environmental, social or economic issue, and compete in a pitch event to win additional funding to further implement their solutions. Competitors utilize partnerships with community businesses and nonprofits to launch their initiatives.
In the pitch competition, judges evaluate initiatives based on community need and relevance, impact potential, innovation, creativity and presentation quality.
“We want you to think deeper, really do a deep dive on why this is important to you,” said Susan McCraken, vice provost for community engagement.
This year’s pitches were extremely creative and thoughtful. Project Welcome Home Veteran, presented by Reed Bull, aims to provide housing for veterans in Johnson City. He partnered with Heidi’s House of Hope to house every homeless veteran in the vicinity.
Shelby Koerten’s project, Spark the Future, partnered with the Coalition for Kids to help children ages 9-14 recognize their strengths, likes, and leadership qualities, ultimately supporting them in their futures.
Reagan Sparks, another student leader, presented the Rooted Alliance, a project aimed at combating food insecurity through small-scale agriculture.
Lastly, Confidence Kits, a project developed by Emma Hurley and Connor Davidson, aims to boost confidence and focus in school for elementary students by providing them with comprehensive hygiene kits.
First-place winner of the event, Aliyah Smith-Gomis, a doctoral student in public health, presented Project Manna. The project connects Black farmers and mothers to provide free access to healthy food options in Central Appalachia. Smith-Gomis’s project was awarded $3,000 to continue her efforts and expand Project Manna’s reach throughout Appalachia. Third place went to Project Confidence Kits, and second place and the People’s Choice award went to Project Welcome Home Veteran. All winners went home with extra funding to continue their effective and rousing projects.
