Student Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge

Student Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge

Your College. Your Ideas. Your Voice.

Students, we want to hear from you!

Help shape the future of CSM and win cash prizes.

Do you have a great idea for how to improve the college or the student experience?

Is there something missing that would support you in your education?
Have you come up with ways to reduce stress and increase motivation for you and your fellow students? 
Hawk Pitch Student FlierHawk PItch flier

Overview and Guidelines

  • 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 

  • BOTH VIDEO PITCH AND WORKSHEET ARE REQUIRED FOR COMPLETED SUBMISSION
    • Record Your Video Pitch (no more than 3 minutes)
    • Upload Video Pitch 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
    • WORKSHEET LINK HERE: I Have an Idea Worksheet
  • Maximum of 3 members per team. 
  • DUE DATE & TIME: 12 P.M. NOON ON APRIL 19, 2025
  • GUIDELINES: 
    • Students may submit more than one idea - video and worksheet for each idea.
    • 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.

  • First Place:
    • Project Funded
    • $500 Cash (Individual or shared among team members)
    • One 3-credit scholarship award (valued at $525 for each team member)
  • Second Place: 
    • $300 Cash (Individual or shared among team members)
    • Dell laptop
  • Third Place:
    • $200 Cash (Individual or shared among team members)
    • 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.

2025 Student Hawk Pitch Winners

Young woman holds a giant check


The College Innovation Work Group would like to thank all of the 2025 Student Hawk Pitch participants for their hard work showcasing the many ways to better CSM. We are truly grateful for and inspired by all the incredible submissions received.

A special thank you to our sponsors, CSM Foundation and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, for their support through a scholarship and cash prizes to the top 3 winning pitches.

Young man stands with CSM staff and donors with a giant check


The College Innovation Work Group would like to thank all of the 2025 Student Hawk Pitch participants for their hard work showcasing the many ways to better CSM. We are truly grateful for and inspired by all the incredible submissions received.

A special thank you to our sponsors, CSM Foundation and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, for their support through a scholarship and cash prizes to the top 3 winning pitches.

young man poses with donors


The College Innovation Work Group would like to thank all of the 2025 Student Hawk Pitch participants for their hard work showcasing the many ways to better CSM. We are truly grateful for and inspired by all the incredible submissions received.

A special thank you to our sponsors, CSM Foundation and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, for their support through a scholarship and cash prizes to the top 3 winning pitches.

Winners pose for a photo op with donors


The College Innovation Work Group would like to thank all of the 2025 Student Hawk Pitch participants for their hard work showcasing the many ways to better CSM. We are truly grateful for and inspired by all the incredible submissions received.

A special thank you to our sponsors, CSM Foundation and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, for their support through a scholarship and cash prizes to the top 3 winning pitches.

Hawks "First to Soar" Peer Mentorship Program

First Place: Keziah MacKall

Hawks 'First to Soar' Peer Mentorship Program

This initiative is designed to support first-generation college students, starting from the moment they register. Keziah MacKall's program pairs new students with mentors who help them navigate college, including signing up for classes and accessing the many resources available at CSM.

“Night of the [BLANK]" Series

Second Place: Diante Keita

'Night of the [BLANK]' Series

Inspired by the success of our Night of Engineering event, which gives students a firsthand look at career, internship, and transfer opportunities in the field, Diante Keita’s series proposes expanding the model across multiple degree programs, opening these valuable experiences to a much broader group of students.

DMProvement To Possibility

Third Place: Israel Cheatham

DMProvement To Possibility

Israel Cheatham’s project aims to strengthen the Digital Media Program by investing in industry-standard equipment. By giving students access to professional-level gear, the program will better prepare them for the workforce and enhance their ability to tell compelling stories through digital media.

Past Student Hawk Pitch Winners

The College Innovation Work Group would like to thank all of the 2024 Student Hawk Pitch participants for their hard work showcasing the many ways to better CSM. We are truly grateful for and inspired by all the incredible submissions received. 

Student poses with VIPs and check

First Place: DaShawn Rustin

Soaring Together: CSM Alumni Directory

 

Student poses with VIPs and large check

Second Place: Natalie Filbey

Little Free Textbook

Student poses with check and VIPs

Third Place: Sarah Sbordone

Hawk Tales: Library Expansion

Students smile with VIPs in a group shot


First Place: Austin Fowler
Hawk Help Through Tutoring

Video – Hawk Help Through Tutoring
Goal: To add more focused help for students at CSM and surrounding schools.

Second Place: Lydia Morris

Healthy Snacks At CSM

Video – Healthy Snacks At CSM

Goal: To provide nutrition to nursing students at the Regional Hughesville Campus.

Third Place: Merresha Henry

CSM Hawk Media Influencer

Video - CSM Hawk Media Influencer

Goal: To promote CSM and our activities using a popular social media influencer strategy.

Prizes generously sponsored by:

CSM Foundation logo   Educational Systems Federal Credit Union logo
Questions and Coaching

First Wednesday of the Month at 12 p.m.
Email Innovation@csmd.edu to Sign Up

Quick Links

Thomas V. "Mike" Miller Center For Leadership

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