PENNSYLVANIA — Ursinus College has been announced as the winner of the fifth annual 2023 Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge (DEIC) by America250PA. This statewide competition brings together students from various post-secondary institutions across Pennsylvania, challenging them to conceive and develop integrated marketing campaigns that address real-life issues.
The team from Ursinus College triumphed over competitors from King’s College, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Rosemont College, and Westmoreland County Community College. A panel of industry professionals judged the entries, with Ursinus College receiving the highest score.
The 2023 DEIC consisted of three phases: a campus round, a virtual second round, and the final round held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, PA. This year’s theme, “Diverse Stories. Unique Communities. ONE Pennsylvania,” prompted students to design and pitch marketing campaigns that highlight the diverse stories and unique communities across the Commonwealth. The challenge aligns with America250PA’s mission of engaging every Pennsylvanian in every county.
Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, expressed her thoughts on the event, “Watching bright young Pennsylvanians participate in the Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge each year is beyond inspiring.” She emphasized the importance of involving the next generation in the 250th anniversary celebrations, stating, “This next generation of Pennsylvanians holds the keys to our future and ensuring their involvement in the 250th anniversary is crucial to our work.”
The 2023 DEIC was presented in partnership with The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and supported by UGI Utilities, Inc. Mark Compton, CEO of The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, voiced his organization’s pride in supporting the America250PA Commission and being part of history.
Donald Brominski, Director of Business Development at UGI Utilities, Inc., expressed the company’s pride in continuing its support for America250PA’s Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge (DEIC). He highlighted the importance of the challenge in engaging Pennsylvania’s next generation, allowing students to showcase their creativity and play a role in shaping the future through their concepts. Brominski emphasized UGI’s understanding of the critical link between Pennsylvania students and businesses in building strong communities for the state’s future success.
Endorsements for America250PA’s DEIC came from The Pennsylvania Department of Education, The United States Postal Service, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. America250PA plans to host Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenges each fall in the lead-up to 2026.
For more information about America250PA and the Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge, visit www.America250PA.org.
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