What is the iOme (I Owe Me) Challenge?

The iOme (I OWE ME) Challenge is a national student competition that encourages students to analyze the current state of retirement policy in the U.S. and propose viable policy solutions to meet the needs of their generation.

How does it do that? 

Each year, student teams from across the U.S. respond to the annual iOme Challenge question in an essay with a public policy proposal. A panel of judges reads the submissions and selects the winning team. The winning team shares a cash prize of $5,000 and an invitation to Washington, DC to present their submission at a symposium and discuss it with public policymakers.

The iOme Challenge engages younger generations in the process of finding solutions to the financial and retirement challenges facing all generations. Each year, the project aims to involve more students in order to promote this important intergenerational dialogue.

Get Your Team Together for the 2024 iOme Challenge!

The iOme Challenge is a fun and interesting opportunity—sign up today!  

Step one is to gather your team (team members can be added later) and find a faculty advisor to act as your guide. Once you have your team and an advisor, register, so that we know you are participating. 

The deadline for submissions is May 12, 2024. Take a look at this website – you should find all the details you need to participate. Still have questions? Contact us.

The iOme Challenge was started in 2009. In 2016, the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER®) took on the management of the iOme Challenge, and continues to expand its reach and impact.

Congratulations to 2023 iOme Challenge Winning Team of Benjamin Ault and Hans-Jacob Larsen Nesheim of University of Maryland, Baltimore County

See more about Past Winners.