ETSU Elevates is the university's premier community impact initiative empowering students to address economic, social, or environmental challenges through community partnerships. By collaborating with regional organizations and experts, students design and implement service-driven, scalable solutions that create lasting community impact.
Apply for ETSU Elevates: Passion to Action Series
ETSU Elevates 2026 Program Information
Eligibility
- All student participants must be enrolled at ETSU in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters.
- ETSU Elevates is open to all majors, disciplines, and year classifications (undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
- Student participants must be able to participate in all workshop and practice sessions.
- Teams will be required to have an external community partner (nonprofit, civic organization, etc.) and a faculty or staff mentor. (Note: Teams are not required to have their community partner and faculty/staff mentor finalized until Part 2 of the application process - more information below.)
Application Process & Timeline
The 2026 ETSU Elevates program will feature a new two-part selection process to ensure students have ample opportunity to ask questions, fine-tune their ideas, and strengthen their overall project prior to final selection.
Part 1 - Passion to Action Series (January 2026 - Febraury 2026)
Those interested in applying to ETSU Elevates will be required to participate in a series of workshop sessions designed to support students in developing a solid foundation for their projects and a clear plan for success. While teams are encouraged to already be exploring potential community partners and faculty/staff mentors, these do not have to be confirmed to participate in the Passion to Action Series; however, partners and mentors will be required when submitting their final application for Part 2. Upon completion of the Passion to Action Series, students will be invited to submit their final ETSU Elevates application for consideration.
Session 1 | Thursday, January 29 from 5PM - 6PM
Session 2 | Thursday, February 5 from 5PM - 6PM
Session 3 | Thursday, February 12 from 5PM - 6PM
ETSU Elevates Bootcamp | Saturday, February 21 from 9AM - 4PM
Part 2 - ETSU Elevates Program (March 2026 - Fall 2026)
Upon completion of the Passion to Action Series, students will be invited to submit their final application for ETSU Elevates consideration including final team members (community partner and faculty/staff mentor), draft budget, clear objectives, and draft implementation plan. Students not participating in Passion to Action (Part 1) will not be eligible to apply.
Project Implementation
Teams selected for participation in the ETSU Elevates program will receive seed funding to help jump-start and test their projects throughout the summer and early fall. Teams will be required to participate in virtual "check-ins" with Community Engagement staff at periodic points throughout the summer to ensure teams are on track, address potential questions or concerns, and offer general support as needed.
Pitch Practice and Dress Rehearsal
Upon return to campus in the fall semester, students will participate in a series of pitch practice sessions with a coach to help fine-tune their presentation and prepare them for the pitch event. Students will participate in a final dress rehearsal prior to the event to test technology and for any final adjustments. (Several date options will be provided.)
Pitch Event
Students will pitch their project to a live audience and panel of judges at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Monday, October 5, 2026. A first-place, second-place, and third-place prize will be awarded by the judges and a "people's choice" prize will be voted on by the audience. Each prize comes with financial support to help elevate and take their project to the next level.
Teams will be asked to complete a close-out report upon completion of their final projects.
Are you ready to get started?
Apply to ETSU Elevates: Passion to Action Series
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Passion to Action Series (Part 1) required to submit an actual ETSU Elevates application (Part 2)?
Yes; ETSU Elevates can be a competitive process and participation in the Passion to Action series will assist students in developing a solid foundation for their projects and a clear plan for success -
Do I have to participate in all three of the Passion to Action sessions and the Bootcamp?
Yes; Each of the sessions build upon the previous and will set you up for success when submitting your final ETSU Elevates application. When applying for the Passion to Action series, there is an entry area on the application for you to share any date conflicts you are currently aware of. If you share any date conflicts, we will reach out for more information and to work with you (if possible). -
How long will the Passion to Action application take?
The initial Passion to Action application is fairly minimal and should not take more than 30 minutes to complete. This application is intended to provide a high-level understanding of the topic you are hoping to explore and your connection or previous experience with the topic. -
What if my project or idea is not fully developed yet?
You are encouraged to apply, even if your idea if very high-level or not yet developed. The Passion to Action series will help you in developing your idea or topic more fully. -
What happens if my topic was to change or develop into something new after submitting my application for Passion to Action?
It is not uncommon for teams to change the direction of their project or change topics entirely as they ask questions and do more research. When participating in the Passion to Action Series (Part 1), you will not be "tied" to the topic you wrote on your application. However, when submitting your final application for ETSU Elevates (Part 2), your topic will need to be clearly identified and developed. Changing of topics in Part 2 of the program will be discouraged without prior approval from the Office of Community Engagement. -
Do I need to have a confirmed community partner and faculty/staff mentor for the Passion to Action Series (Part 1)?
No; While students are encouraged to be exploring potential partners and mentors, these do not need to be confirmed for the Passion to Action Series (Part 1). During the sessions, we will support you in exploring and identifying potential partners and mentors for your team.
When submitting your final application (Part 2), you will need to have a confirmed community partner and faculty/staff mentor who will be listed on your application and have agreed to participate. During this point in the process, a partner and mentor will be required to be considered for selection. -
What happens if I am unsure about applying for ETSU Elevates or I'm not sure if my idea/topic is "ready" yet?
Those interested in ETSU Elevates are encouraged to apply and participate in the Passion to Action Series (Part 1) even if their idea is not fully developed or if they have not fully decided to apply in Part 2. Students may choose to participate in Passion to Action to explore their idea further, but may not choose to apply for ETSU Elevates this cycle. Additionaly, ETSU Elevates is competitive and not every student who applies in Part 2 may be accepted.
Students who participate in Passion to Action and opt to not apply in Part 2 or who are not selected for Part 2 are eliglbe to reapply or try again in another cycle.
For additional questions or information, please contact Nathaniel Farnor, Community Engagement Specialist, at farnor@etsu.edu