Rules & Guidelines
Overview
The Policy Pitch Competition invites Samford undergraduate students to develop and present innovative, evidence-based policy proposals that address pressing public issues. Competitors will identify a policy area, define a clear problem, and propose a politically feasible solution supported by strong evidence and analysis. No prior policy experience or background is required.
Eligibility
- Open to currently enrolled undergraduate students at Samford University.
- Students may only participate as individuals (no teams at this time).
- Each participant may only propose one submission.
Topic Selection
- Participants may choose any policy area, including but not limited to: education, healthcare, environment, technology, social policy, economic development, or foreign affairs.
- The policy must address a specific, well-defined problem and propose a realistic, actionable solution.
- Proposals should focus on policy innovation rather than purely theoretical or advocacy-based ideas.
Submission Requirements
Each submission must include:
- Written Policy Brief (1-page min/5-pages max, double-spaced)
- Problem statement and context
- Proposed policy solution
- Evidence and analysis supporting the proposal
- Discussion of political and practical feasibility
- Expected impact and implementation considerations
- Pitch Presentation (5 minutes)
- Participants chosen to compete in the live pitch competition will present their ideas to a panel of judges during the competition event.
- Visual aids (slides, infographics, etc.) are encouraged but not required.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
| Category | Description |
| Significance of the Problem | Does the proposal address an important and clearly defined issue? |
| Policy Feasibility | Is the proposed solution realistic within current political, economic, and institutional contexts? |
| Evidence and Analysis | Is the proposal supported by credible research, data, and logical reasoning? |
| Creativity and Innovation | Does the policy idea demonstrate original thinking or a novel approach to solving the problem? |
| Presentation and Communication | Is the proposal clearly and persuasively communicated, both in writing and in the oral pitch? |
| Impact and Engagement | Does the proposal have potential for meaningful positive impact, and does it engage key stakeholders effectively? |
Competition Format
- Preliminary written submissions are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Finalists will be notified by 5:00pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026. - Finalists will present live before a panel of judges on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 3:00pm.
- Presentations will be followed by a brief Q&A with the judges.
- Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top entries.
- 1st Place: $500 and a chance to pitch your policy proposal to a group of Alabama state legislators.
- 2nd Place: $350
- 3rd Place: $200
Submission and Deadlines
- Written policy proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format through the application form.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Include your name, department affiliations, and contact information on the first page of your policy proposal.
Additional Rules
- All work must be original and prepared specifically for this competition.
- Participants may consult faculty, mentors, or experts for feedback, but the final submission must be the students’ own work.
- Citations must be included for all data, quotes, and research sources (any standard citation style is acceptable).
- Judges’ decisions are final.
Contact
For questions or clarifications, please contact samfordpsa@gmail.com.
Psi Iota Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha 