Special P2P Opportunity: Challenging Extremism Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays an integral role in the nation’s efforts to counter violent extremism.

To strengthen this role, DHS has partnered with EdVenture Partners and Facebook to expand the Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism Program (P2P) in an effort to engage the academic community in its countering violent extremism efforts.

(Learn More, by viewing the Summer 2016 Challenge. Courtesy of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and YouTube)

P2P is a competition where university students from around the world develop and execute campaigns and social media strategies against extremism that are credible, authentic, and believable to their peers and resonate within their communities.

The next competition begins in January 2017 and is limited to one team per college or university. The student team, led by a faculty supervisor, will receive $2,000 operational budget and a $400 Facebook add credit to develop a real campaign focused on countering violent extremism. 

The top three teams will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. and scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Top campaigns may be considered for additional funding and mentorship. 

(Let’s talk is a campaign designed to encompass the varying needs and desires of at-risk youth. The campaign provides a place to learn about their interests and topics related to Islam, terrorism, and jihad. This project won second place during the P2P: Challenging Extremism contest held at the U.S. Department of State in February 2016. Courtesy of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and YouTube)

In addition to openings for the Spring 2017 competition, the P2P is accepting applications on a rolling basis for future semesters. To learn more or apply to join Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism, please contact Karin Fonte at karin@edventurepartners.com.

For any additional questions, please contact the Office of Academic Engagement at AcademicEngagement@hq.dhs.gov.  

Learn more about the P2P: Challenging Extremism project at http://eca.state.gov/p2p