Winning proposal from New York University, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Baruch College students focused on expanding community and digital engagement channels

A team of undergraduate students – Ashley Ho and Julia Pepper from New York University, Kaiji Uno from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Polina Yakubova from Baruch College – has won the annual U.S. Accenture Innovation Challenge. This year’s nonprofit partner is the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), providing opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.

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Winning Team: Clockwise from Top Left – Ashley Ho, Julia Pepper, Polina Yakubova, Kaiji Uno (Photo: Business Wire)

Student teams developed proposals to help CAF scale its High School Adaptive Sports Program to introduce more middle and high school students with physical disabilities to the value of physical activity and being part of their school track and field teams. The winning team was a collaborative effort by students from the three schools and their proposal was selected following three rounds of competition during the winter semester. Nearly 700 students applied to participate in the Challenge and 47 student teams from 80 undergraduate programs across the United States competed.

The winning team’s solution calls for intensifying community engagement efforts by establishing a student volunteer program and alumni network and by expanding CAF’s social media presence. CAF program presence would be elevated through a new networking portal and digital marketing featuring influencer engagement and support (E.g., from Paralympians, and other accomplished adaptive athletes by sport), user-generated content, media coverage, and spotlight achievements.

“We are thankful for this opportunity to rally innovative ideas from university students to help address needs and aspirations of the 21 million Americans who are physically challenged,” said Marty Rodgers, senior managing director of Accenture’s U.S. South Region and executive sponsor for the Accenture Innovation Challenge. “As we emerge from the pandemic, with growing digital and networking capabilities, it is an especially exciting time to boost and expand efforts to support healthier and more active lives for millions of individuals living with physical challenges.”

“The thoughtful evaluation and recommendations from this talented pool of college students was very impressive. The ideas and forward thinking on how to raise awareness and reach more student athletes with physical challenges will lead us all to a more inclusive world,” said Nancy Reynolds, Chief of Strategic Partnerships for CAF.

Launched in 2012, the Accenture Innovation Challenge is an annual case competition providing college students from across the United States an opportunity to offer ideas and solutions to support a priority goal of a nonprofit organization.

About Accenture

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services and Accenture Song — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 699,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.

About Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $147 million has been raised and over 40,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and over 70 countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts impact another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

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