About the Challenge
The Social Impact Challenge is Boise State’s signature student experience for solving real-world problems.
Students work in teams to identify, analyze, and pitch responses to pressing issues facing Idaho. The 2026 model emphasizes student-driven problem selection, systems thinking, and real-world impact.
Rather than being assigned a predefined challenge statement, students choose a problem that matters to them within shared issue areas. That gives participants more ownership, flexibility, and creativity while keeping the work grounded in community priorities.
In partnership with the School of Public Service, Idaho Partners for Good, and Venture College, the Challenge connects students with mentors, coaching, and opportunities to take their ideas further.
Open to all majors. No prior experience required.
Social Impact Challenge by the Numbers
13
16
$3k
How it Works
Weeks 1 + 2
Attend orientation to select challenge statements and meet mentors. Build your design thinking toolkit during a participant workshop.
Weeks 3 + 4
Unpack and research your challenge statement alongside mentors. Conduct constituent interviews and gather information. Ideate solutions and assess viability over the course of independent work.
Weeks 5 + 6
Finalize solutions, develop and practice your pitch deck with the support of Venture College staff through one-on-one meetings. Attend pitch run-throughs.
Week 7
Participate in the final competition. Pitch your solution to judges and compete to win up to $3,000.
2026 Challenge
Neighbor to Neighbor – Here to Solve.
For Fall 2026, School of Public Service is teaming up with Idaho Partners for Good (IP4G) again to frame the pitch ideas IP4G is a Boise-based nonprofit organization focused on strengthening Idaho’s nonprofit sector. They provide financial support, skilled consultants, and training opportunities to help nonprofits enhance their organizational effectiveness.
Past Challenges
Innovate for Good
For Fall 2025, School of Public Service is teaming up with Idaho Partners for Good (IP4G) to develop challenge statements and identify community partners. IP4G is a Boise-based nonprofit organization focused on strengthening Idaho’s nonprofit sector. They provide financial support, skilled consultants, and training opportunities to help nonprofits enhance their organizational effectiveness.
Challenge Statements and Partners
Nonprofit Growth
How might we help a nonprofit serving college students from refugee backgrounds grow its presence and funding in Idaho—by clearly communicating its unique mission and developing creative strategies to engage new supporters and sustain long-term impact?
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Community Partner: One Refugee
Next Gen Giving
How might we inspire the next generation of givers to support nonprofits that champion learning differences—by embedding philanthropy into daily life in creative, youth-friendly ways?
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Community Partner: Lee Pesky Learning Center
Homebuyer Education
How might we increase participation in homebuyer education among younger renters and those historically excluded from homeownership so they feel empowered and prepared to take the first step toward buying a home?
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Community Partner: Neighbor Works
Creative Revenue Models for Nonprofit Financial Sustainability
How might we create new, collaborative, and sustainable revenue models that help nonprofits deliver core services to Idaho’s ALICE and low-income communities—without relying on traditional, donor-dependent fundraising approaches?
- Community Partner: Idaho Partners for Good
Untapped Resources for Nonprofit Financial Sustainability
How might we develop a sustainable revenue model for a community organization like Idaho Hispanic Foundation by activating its underutilized space—with solutions that align with its mission and serve the broader community?
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Community Partner: Idaho Hispanic Foundation
Winner
Jenni Landa
Partnering with NeighborWorks Boise, Jenni’s innovative idea to provide resources to potential home buyers where they currently live and work was a hit. Jenni leveraged a model of mobile learning programs and pop-up educational events that is popular with other Boise-based non profits.
2024 Challenge
Housing for All
In 2024, the Impact Challenge addressed “Housing for All.” Lack of housing affects community well-being and economic health in a multitude of ways. Participants worked closely with faculty mentors to research, analyze, and ideate solutions to a number of housing issues facing the Treasure Valley.
2023 Challenge
Transportation for All
In 2024, the Impact Challenge addressed “Transportation for All.” How we move to and from a destination can easily be taken for granted and sometimes be a barrier to our ability to thrive. Challenge participants thought through solutions to address transportation barriers.
Ready to solve real issues and make real impact?
To participate as a student: complete our registration form.
To submit a challenge statement as a community partner email: sps-ecl@boisestate.edu.
Special thanks to Boise State’s Venture College, Student Philanthropy Board and the Office of Community Engagement!