Public policy competition offers students cash prizes

Oakland University students are invited to participate in the third annual Students Reinventing Michigan competition, which engages students in finding solutions to contemporary problems that face the Legislature and the citizens of Michigan.

Open to all undergraduates interested in participating individually or in groups, this year's event asks contestants to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate childhood obesity in Michigan. The plan must be one that lawmakers and the public will support. The grand prize is $10,000 with an additional $10,000 shared by second, third and fourth place.

The growing problem of childhood obesity is leading us to a public health crisis with overweight children becoming overweight adults. Risk factors for long term health issues increase dramatically as a result of obesity. Among related health issues are diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Contestants should explain how their plans would help reduce Michigan’s childhood obesity rate and how they would be implemented.

Instructors, professors and graduate assistant/students from any Michigan university, college or community college who mentor participants also are eligible to win a cash prize.

Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. A bipartisan team of judges headed by Senator James Marleau, chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and Representative Gail Haines, chair of the House Health Policy Committee will review proposals and determine all awardees. Winners will be invited to attend a joint hearing of the Senate and House Health Policy Committees to present their plans.

To learn more visit studentsreinventingmichigan.com.