Mott Million Dollar Challenge Inspires Youth to Innovate for a Better Future
In an exciting initiative aimed at sparking creativity and innovation among young minds, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has launched the Mott Million Dollar Challenge as part of its centennial celebration. This national competition encourages K-12 students across the United States to submit their cutting-edge business ideas or unique solutions to pressing community issues. The total prize pool for this challenge is an impressive $1 million, distributed among various winners, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among youth.
The challenge is open from now until February 27, 2026, inviting students from all 50 states to take part. Participants can either work individually or in teams of up to three, providing a platform for collaboration and shared ingenuity. As Ridgway White, President and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, emphasized, "Every young person has the potential to make a difference," reinforcing the competition's aim to cultivate essential skills in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving.
To kick off their participation, students must create a 30- to 90-second video pitch outlining their innovative concept, detailing the problem it addresses and how their solution could lead to positive change. What’s remarkable is that no advanced technology or prior experience is necessary; the emphasis is purely on creativity and the potential impact of their ideas. The foundation aims to receive a broad array of submissions, and over 1,000 prizes will be awarded to the standout video entries.
Following the initial phase, judges will select the top 60 pitches to receive additional cash prizes. These finalists will then receive guidance and coaching to enhance their business plans or social initiatives, culminating in a final competition scheduled to take place in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026. Here, the top 60 will present their refined pitches, with the chance to win even larger prizes.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge, supported by the Mott Foundation and organized in collaboration with various partners like the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and VentureLab, aims to empower youth by transforming their creative ideas into actionable plans. As NFTE President and CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock notes, “Young people are the world's most powerful innovators.” With such initiatives, the aim is to instill a mindset in students that encourages viewing challenges as opportunities and ensures that they have the skills and confidence needed to bring their bold ideas to fruition.
Over the past decade, the Mott Foundation has been dedicated to expanding entrepreneurial experiences for young individuals. By funding organizations like NFTE and YEI, and integrating entrepreneurship education into afterschool programs, the Mott Foundation has reached over 900,000 students from 2018 to 2024. This initiative continues that legacy of nurturing future leaders, granting them the tools needed to influence their communities and beyond.
Students, parents, educators, and youth program leaders can find detailed submission instructions, as well as resources related to the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, by visiting mottmillion.org. With the deadline for entries approaching, aspiring young entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity to make their mark, demonstrating how youth-driven innovation can lead to substantial societal change.
As the Mott Foundation celebrates its century-long journey of philanthropy aimed at fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable society, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge signals a new chapter. It not only honors the foundation's legacy but also empowers the next generation to take creative risks and transform their visions into reality, thus shaping a brighter future for all.
The challenge is open from now until February 27, 2026, inviting students from all 50 states to take part. Participants can either work individually or in teams of up to three, providing a platform for collaboration and shared ingenuity. As Ridgway White, President and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, emphasized, "Every young person has the potential to make a difference," reinforcing the competition's aim to cultivate essential skills in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving.
To kick off their participation, students must create a 30- to 90-second video pitch outlining their innovative concept, detailing the problem it addresses and how their solution could lead to positive change. What’s remarkable is that no advanced technology or prior experience is necessary; the emphasis is purely on creativity and the potential impact of their ideas. The foundation aims to receive a broad array of submissions, and over 1,000 prizes will be awarded to the standout video entries.
Following the initial phase, judges will select the top 60 pitches to receive additional cash prizes. These finalists will then receive guidance and coaching to enhance their business plans or social initiatives, culminating in a final competition scheduled to take place in Flint, Michigan, in June 2026. Here, the top 60 will present their refined pitches, with the chance to win even larger prizes.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge, supported by the Mott Foundation and organized in collaboration with various partners like the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and VentureLab, aims to empower youth by transforming their creative ideas into actionable plans. As NFTE President and CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock notes, “Young people are the world's most powerful innovators.” With such initiatives, the aim is to instill a mindset in students that encourages viewing challenges as opportunities and ensures that they have the skills and confidence needed to bring their bold ideas to fruition.
Over the past decade, the Mott Foundation has been dedicated to expanding entrepreneurial experiences for young individuals. By funding organizations like NFTE and YEI, and integrating entrepreneurship education into afterschool programs, the Mott Foundation has reached over 900,000 students from 2018 to 2024. This initiative continues that legacy of nurturing future leaders, granting them the tools needed to influence their communities and beyond.
Students, parents, educators, and youth program leaders can find detailed submission instructions, as well as resources related to the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, by visiting mottmillion.org. With the deadline for entries approaching, aspiring young entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity to make their mark, demonstrating how youth-driven innovation can lead to substantial societal change.
As the Mott Foundation celebrates its century-long journey of philanthropy aimed at fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable society, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge signals a new chapter. It not only honors the foundation's legacy but also empowers the next generation to take creative risks and transform their visions into reality, thus shaping a brighter future for all.
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