Where Bold Ideas Win Big

Kids and teens everywhere have world-changing ideas that deserve the spotlight! 

That’s why the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is going all-in on innovation and backing the next generation of genius. Supported by funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI), the Afterschool Alliance and Collaborative Communications.

K-12 students across all 50 states and D.C. are invited to pitch ideas that improve their very own schools, homes, or communities. Whether it’s a product, service, or social solution, this is an opportunity to prove to youth that they matter. That their ideas matter. And that we’re all listening to what they have to say. 

Entering is simple. Kids and teens just need to record a 30-90 second pitch video, and submit by February 27, 2026. (No special tools or fancy editing required.) Individuals or teams of up to three can enter. 

Finalists earn real cash prizes from the $1 million prize pool, and an invitation to an epic celebration and live pitch event in June of 2026, happening in Flint, Michigan.

More than anything, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is about empowering kids and teens across the country to dream big, develop confidence and consistently strive for more. After all, their brilliance knows no bounds.

Submissions are due February 27, 2026.