Participate in The Forum's First-Ever Innovation Competition at Annual Conference 2025

InnovateEA: Igniting Change in Education Abroad is an initiative launched by The Forum on Education Abroad that invites international educators to dream big. We’re asking the education abroad community to propose solutions to the most pressing issues facing our field. We will select and mentor a group of daring finalists, who will pitch their innovations at The Forum’s Annual Conference. Then YOU select the winning innovation. The winner will receive a cash prize to support putting their idea into action.  

Pitch an idea that presents a solution to one of a range of challenges facing the field, from access and inclusion to sustainability to funding and staffing. We’re looking for bold solutions with the potential to influence practice across the field of education abroad—ideas that might seem radical by today’s standards but have the potential to open our minds to new possibilities. 

Maybe you have dreamed up an innovative funding model, or a policy to advance access, or a novel approach to orientation, but need a little support and encouragement to bring it to life. Share it with us for the chance to be recognized and effect change. 

Are you in? ​

Sponsored by

Explore our Pitch Requirements and see how your concept can shine in future opportunities
The deadline to submit a pitch was Friday, September 6. All submissions are now under revision

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Goals

• To support The Forum’s mission to “cultivate educators who champion high-quality education abroad experiences that ignite curiosity, impact lives, and contribute to a better world". 
• To encourage innovation as a means to overcome challenges and improve practice. 
• To bring a dynamic dimension to the annual conference that energizes and inspires attendees; capitalize on momentum created by 20th Annual Conference’s Closing Plenary. 
• To elevate new voices and celebrate emerging leaders. 

Eligibility

• The individual submitting and delivering the pitch must be employed by a Forum member organization. The competition is open to individuals and teams of up to 3 from Forum member  institutions and organizations.  
• Innovations should be focused in scope and targeted to address a specific challenge facing the field of education abroad, such as access, representation, sustainability, ethics, or peace. 
• Pitches for new education abroad programs are not eligible; we’re looking for innovative practices or resources.  
• Proven solutions that have already been fully implemented are not eligible. 
• Forum staff members, Board members, and InnovateEA selection committee members are not eligible. ​

selection criteria

• Innovation. An original, creative, and bold approach. 
• Impact. Clear outcomes and potential to make a significant, enduring impact on practice in the field of education abroad. 
• Achievability. A solution which is bold, ambitious, yet achievable within the next 1-2 years. 
• Exemplification. An example of the Standards of Good Practice in action that may be replicated by others to benefit the field of education abroad. 
• Dynamic Delivery. Your video pitch should demonstrate that you are an engaging speaker and your presentation style communicates your passion, experience and creativity. ​

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The selection process will prioritize: 

• Representation of a range of institution types, including 2-years, HBCUs, MSIs, and geographic diversity 
• Representation of underrepresented voices at The Forum’s Annual Conference and in the field of education abroad. This includes:
  • International host institutions  
  • Community Colleges, technical and vocational education and training (TVET)   
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)   
  • Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)   
  • Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) 
  • Education Abroad Organizations

Download the InnovateEA Selection Rubric to learn more about the selection process.

Key Dates

• July 11-September 6: Pitch submission window
• Week of November 18: Finalists notified
• December - March: Mentoring of finalists to prepare pitch presentations
• February 1: Script and slide decks due
• March 21: Present during the Closing Celebration of Annual Conference 2025

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Finalist Presentations ​

• 5 finalists will be selected to give a 5-minute TED-style talk Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Closing Celebration of The Forum’s Annual Conference in Toronto. 
• The audience will vote for the most innovative idea and will select the winner in real time.  
• Finalists are required to:  ​​

• Attend the Annual Conference in person in Toronto to present at the March 21 Closing Celebration for an audience of 1,000+.  
• Participate in virtual mentoring sessions prior to the conference. 
• Submit script and slide deck for a TED-Talk style presentation by February 1, 2025. 
• Participate in virtual run-through with their mentor and Forum staff. 
• Participate in a dress rehearsal during Annual Conference 2025 in Toronto.
• Pitch competition will be introduced on stage by Forum President & CEO Melissa Torres and AIFS Abroad Executive Director Emily Merson. Finalists will be introduced by their mentors. 

Voting ​

In person participants of The Forum’s Annual Conference will vote to select the winner at the Closing Celebration on Friday, March 21, 2025. ​

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Prize ​

The winner selected by the audience will receive:  

• A $5,000+ cash prize to advance the winning idea
• A year of mentoring support​​

The winner will be required to submit a detailed report by February 1, 2026, describing the progress made since the award, and the impact of their innovation. 

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Meet the Mentors

Martha Johnson
​CEA CAPA ​

Chris Thompson
​Compear Global Education Network​

Kelly Holland
AIFS Abroad

Kyle Rausch
​Univerity of Illinois Chicago ​

Emily Merson
​AIFS Abroad

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FAQ ​

can I participate with a team from my institution or organization?  ​

You are welcome to collaborate with colleagues from your institution to develop your idea. Pitches will be delivered by one team member.

Are multiple pitches from a single institution or organization possible?  

Yes, multiple pitches from an institution or organization are welcome.

Can I pitch my idea if I am serving on the selection committee?

No

If my organization sponsors the competition, may I pitch my idea? ​

 Yes. Individuals from sponsoring institutions/organizations are eligible to compete.