Empower students to innovate.

Change happens one bold idea at a time.

The Mott Million Dollar Challenge gives students a real-world opportunity to practice creativity, communication and problem-solving — skills that help them lead in school and beyond.

Any student (grades K-12) can participate, no matter where they live or learn. Participation can happen through classrooms, afterschool programs or youth groups.

How your students can join in.

Solo or team entries.

Students can enter individually or in teams of up to three, allowing flexibility for classroom or program contexts.
Brainstorming and idea development.

Encourage students to notice things in their school or community that could be better. They can pitch anything that helps people or solves a problem.
Video pitching.

No special equipment or editing is needed. Each student or team records a 30-90 second video on their computer or phone describing:
1. Their idea
2. The problem it solves
3. Why it matters
Submit entries.

Educators can help their students submit their pitches. Individual students or groups of up to three can pitch an idea. Only one submission per pitch is needed.

The competition connects directly to powerful learning outcomes.

Encourages creativity and innovation
Builds communication and presentation skills
Allows real-world application of problem-solving
Supports collaboration in team entries

The best part? The entire process can radically boost student confidence by showing them firsthand how deeply adults believe in them and their ideas.

Important dates

Submissions accepted from December 15, 2025 to February 27, 2026. Finalists are announced in Spring 2026!

There’s a celebration event!

Finalists are invited to Flint, Michigan, in June 2026 for a special live pitch event and celebration.

Empower students to innovate.

Change happens one bold idea at a time.

How your students can join in.

The competition connects directly to powerful learning outcomes.

Important dates

There’s a celebration event!

We’ve curated resources to set your students up for success.

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