Blum Center for Developing Economies

Blackbook U wins Big Ideas Grand Prize

Blackbook University founder Ibrahim Baldé at the 2021 Big Ideas Grand Prize Pitch Day, talking into a microphone.The UC-wide Big Ideas Contest, based at the Blum Center, awarded the 2021 Grand Prize to Blackbook University, a team of Berkeley undergraduate students led by Ibrahim Balde that designed a platform to equip Black students with communities, resources, and opportunities to help overcome institutional inequities in higher education and employment.

Big Ideas Director Phillip Denny made the announcement at the September 23 Grand Prize Pitch Session, featuring all six Grand Prize finalists, along with People’s Choice winners. Learn more about all of the 2020-2021 award-winning Big Ideas and Watch the September 23 Grand Prize Pitch Session and Awards event recording.

The Big Ideas Contest is an annual UC-wide innovation competition that provides funding, structure, and mentorship to interdisciplinary teams of students who have creative solutions to pressing social challenges.

Big Ideas is now accepting pre-proposal applications for the 2022 round. See the BigIdeasContest.org website for more information, or attend upcoming information sessions.

The Big Ideas Information Session on Tuesday, November 2, at 6-7 pm will feature the 2021 Grand Prize winning team, Blackbook University. The Blackbook team will discuss their winning strategies and entrepreneurial journey. Register at https://bigideascontest.org/apply to attend the hybrid event, which will be held online and in-person at Blum Hall.

Blackbook Info Session Flyer

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Host and Fellow Responsibilities

Host Organizations

  • Identify staff supervisor to manage I&E Climate Action Fellow
  • Submit fellowship description and tasks
  • Engage in the matching process
  • Mentor and advise students
  • Communicate with Berkeley program director and give feedback on the program.

Berkeley Program Director​

  • Communicate with host organizations, students, and other university departments to ensure smooth program operations

Student Fellows

  • Complete application and cohort activities
  • Communicate with staff and host organizations
  • Successfully complete assignments from host organization during summer practicum
  • Summarize and report summer experience activities post-fellowship