A Learning Lever is an interactive digital tool that helps pre-K–12 students learn more effectively, while empowering them to assume more control over their learning. A Learning Lever harnesses the power of technology to provide students with direct access to content, inquiry, and support.

Learning Levers may include but are not limited to: (a) software programs, applications, games, and competitions; (b) text, workbooks, problem-solving lessons, and inquiry activities or experiences; (c) individual feedback, avatars, and tutoring; and (d) peer collaboration on research, investigation, problem-solving, and sharing.

Successful projects will use sound pedagogy and may be applicable in school, home, museum, or other settings. Read the Learning Levers Prize Rubric for more guidance.

Describe the Learning Lever you are proposing and how it addresses pre-K-12 learning. Include the problem you are trying to solve and the objectives and goals of the Learning Lever. (400 words)

1. Why was this Learning Lever selected? What evidence have you used (e.g., focus groups, surveys, customer discovery, etc.) to determine this Learning Lever to be the best tool to aid learning and education? (400 words)
2. You may include links to prototypes or other websites that help describe or demonstrate your tool.
3. A complete budget for the project, including justification for each item requested. Your budget does not need to total $10,000 (our maximum award) and can total more than $10,000 to represent your true costs, if applicable.

The James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize RFP will be available from December 1, 2024, until March 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Schedule project consultations during that period here. A diverse selection committee will review all submissions. Teams will be notified of finalist selection by March 14 and be invited to participate in the Learning Levers Prize Competition on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 3:30 - 6:00 pm. We will hold our final event in person at the Marsal Education building. At least one member of each finalist team is required to attend the final event and be able to answer questions during the interactive judging panel.

Virtual and in-person informational meetings and project consultations are available by appointment.

Proposal Guidelines and Submission

Undergraduate and graduate students in good standing at any school or college on any University of Michigan campus (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint) are eligible to enter as individuals or in teams.

Participants in other innovation competitions, such as Innovation in Action, Optimize, or Zillion Solutions are encouraged to apply. Participation in these programs is not required, however, and all students and student teams with great ideas should consider applying!

A committee that will consist of University of Michigan faculty, staff, students, alumni, and topical experts will decide which teams receive funding to move their ideas forward. Prizes fall into two categories: Development Awards and Learning Levers Prize.

Development Awards

• Can be awarded to multiple projects/teams
• Prize amount: $1,000–$4,000

The Learning Levers Prize

• Awarded to a single team
• Prize amount: $5,000–$10,000

All teams selected to present at the pitch event will have the opportunity to promote worthy projects to experts in technology, education, and entrepreneurship, as well as to potential venture capitalists and other commercial partners. To learn more about how you and your team can participate in our next Learning Levers Prize, please email [email protected].