The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is excited to announce that 1,500 submissions have been selected as Round 1 winners – each will receive a $250 award. These winning submissions represent an inspiring group of young people seeking to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.
In the first round alone, more than 5,300 kids and teens from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., stepped up to pitch their ideas for new businesses and solutions to challenges in their schools, communities and beyond.
From elementary to high school teams, these winners show that big ideas can come from any age. The first-round winners reflect the creativity and potential of young people across every grade band: 378 ideas from grades K-4, 492 from grades 5-8, and 630 from grades 9-12.
Students’ submissions ranged from proposals to improve physical and mental health, food security and housing to innovations in technology, artificial intelligence and sustainability. From everyday improvements to bold solutions tackling complex challenges, these young innovators are already shaping the future.
Behind each submission is a powerful support system. Thousands of educators, afterschool providers and youth leaders across the country created space for young people to brainstorm, create and share their ideas. All of this can help young people build confidence, communication skills and a problem-solving mindset that lasts far beyond any competition.
“This competition got my students even more excited and motivated than I thought possible,” said one Texas educator. “They demonstrated confidence and creativity in ways I had not previously seen. I’m so proud of their work and can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Their ideas and actions are going to change the world.”
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is about more than starting a business. It’s about helping young people see themselves as thinkers, creators and leaders who navigate challenges and contribute to their communities. All while giving their ideas a real audience.
As the competition continues, entries will move into a second round of judging. From there, 60 semifinalists will be selected to participate in the final competition in June in Flint, Michigan, where they’ll take the stage and pitch their ideas before a live audience.
Funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation as part of its centennial celebration, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge reflects the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to empowering young people with hands-on learning experiences and problem-solving skills. Through this work, Mott is investing in the next generation of innovators while expanding access to high-quality entrepreneurship education through afterschool and community-based partnerships nationwide.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge would not be possible without the incredible network of partners bringing it to life. The Challenge is administered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI), the Afterschool Alliance, Collaborative Communications and the 50 State Afterschool Network. Together, they are making this work possible and helping young people turn ideas into impact every day.
