In 2019, The Public Interest Technology University Network announced the 27 winners of the first PIT-UN Network Challenge. The Network Challenge is a grant program designed to seed and support initiatives that grow public interest technology at the university level. It is funded through the generous support of the Ford Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Mastercard Impact Fund, Siegel Family Endowment, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Schmidt Futures, and Raikes Foundation.
Grants were made in the following four categories: Career Pipeline/Placement; Educational Offerings; Faculty & Institution Building; and Strengthening the Public Interest Tech University Network.
Career Pipeline/Placement
Career Pipeline/Placement aims to provide new models for career training and placement, and/or support for individuals looking to build a public interest tech career.
Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings aim to create curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that offer students opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning.
Faculty & Institution Building
Faculty and institution building’s aim is to aid pre- and post-tenure faculty in their efforts to develop public interest technology programming for students.
Strengthening the Public Interest Tech University Network
Strengthening the Public Interest Tech University Network aims to connect educators working in public interest technology and provide shared resources and opportunities.