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Available Now: The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions

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Ivory Prize

Submit a Nomination

Student Associate Areas of Focus 

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Construction & Design 

University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in real estate, construction, or architecture will benefit from the role as a Construction Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build a deeper understanding of the building process, learn about innovative design techniques, and connect with construction & architecture experts from across the country.

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Finance

University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in Private Equity/Venture Capital sourcing or impact investing will benefit from the role as a Finance Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build skills in sourcing, business writing, and company diligence, as well as connect with experienced founders with backgrounds in finance, real estate, startups, and technology.

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Policy &
Regulatory Reform

University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in local, state, or federal government and housing policies will benefit from the role as a Policy Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build skills in research, policy evaluation, and writing, as well as connect with policy leaders and experts from across the country.

Our Nomination Form Has Closed 

Ivory Innovations accepts nominations for the Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability on a rolling basis, with our primary nomination window taking place each fall. While our 2026 review cycle is now underway, we continue to welcome referrals and introductions to organizations advancing housing affordability through innovation in Construction & Design, Finance, or Policy & Regulatory Reform.

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If you or an organization you know is driving meaningful impact in housing, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at ivoryprize@ivoryinnovations.org. Our team will follow up to learn more about your work for this or future cycles.

Selection Criteria

Innovativeness

Impact on Affordability

Scalability

Winners & Finalists are selected across three areas of focus:

Construction & Design

Finance
 

Policy & Regulatory Reform

Learn More

To learn more about the selection process, timeline, finalist and winner benefits, or other aspects of the Prize, please visit the Ivory Prize Competition Details page.

Summer Internship Opportunities

Ivory Innovations offers qualifying Student Associates the opportunity to find a summer internship (May-August) with companies sourced through the Ivory Prize nomination process. 

Check out  where our Associates have interned

Student Associate Program Details

  • Fall Semester - 15 to 20 hrs/week:

    • Source organizations making an impact in the housing affordability space that fit within Ivory Innovations’ three criteria: Affordability, Scalability, Innovation

    • Schedule, plan, and attend calls with company founders and executives to perform deeper diligence on potential nominees

    • Act as a company liaison/representative to communicate between sourced companies and the Ivory Innovations team

    • Write executive memos on each sourced company that include: Project Description, Business Model, Innovation, Key Metrics, Risks & Barriers to Scale, and Team Information

    • Pitch sourced companies to the Selection Committee 

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    Spring Semester - 5 to 15 hrs/week:

    • Attend judging sessions and be prepared to answer questions about companies from the Advisory Board

    • Conduct further diligence to write 5-page memos for Top 25 finalists and create/present PowerPoints for Top 10 Finalists

    • Continue to act as a point of contact between companies and Ivory Innovations

    • Students will have opportunities for additional research projects for portfolio organizations

    • Passion for innovative, impactful, and solution-focused organizations and policies

    • Interest in housing issues and policies

    • Experience researching an synthesizing government policies or a public planning background

    • Sophisticated oral and written communication, organization, and time management skills

    • Enrollment at the University of Utah during the 2025-26 school year

    • Attend in-person Monday meetings from 4:30-5:30 PM located in the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building (SFEBB)

    • Attend weekly team virtual team meetings 

    • Work for 2.5+ hours in office during specified time blocks

    • Paid internship - $14/hour

    • Hybrid schedule

    • Travel opportunities

    • Networking opportunities

    • Potential summer internship

    • Opportunities for growth within the company

    • Business writing 

    • Business analysis and risk assessment 

    • Due diligence 

    • Understanding the financial and regulatory hurdles of real estate development 

    • The home-buying process 

    • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills 

    • How local, state, and federal policies impact housing supply 

    • Construction methods, building process, and design techniques 

    • The depth and breadth of the real estate industry and career opportunities available 

    • Extensive research and analytical skills

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