Winning won’t be easy — but participating should be.
The Idea Challenge asks one thing: what’s your idea to help your community? Submit a 1–2 minute video answering it. If it clears the bar, you get funded. No application fee. No 47-page essay.
A free 15-minute call with a real person to sharpen your idea. Optional — and it never affects judging.
Two human judges review every entry, looking at your idea's potential for impact in your community, its feasibility, and its authenticity.
Rolling submissions, July 15 – October 4, 2026. Submit any day. Yes-or-no in 10 days.
When your idea wins — student or educator — you get $1,000 right away to bring it to life. We don't tell you how to spend it.
Make real progress on your idea in the world and you can earn up to $10,000 more to keep going.
Got questions? Open these.
Who can enter?+
Two groups, two tracks — same prompt, same way to win:
- Students in NC, grades 5–12 (about ages 10–18). Entries are individual — one idea, one voice.
- Educators in NC — teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, club and community leaders. Submit your own idea.
What are the steps?+
1–2 minutes of you explaining your idea. We give you the recorder right in your browser.
A real person watches your video and sends a yes or a no.
Winning ideas get $1,000, paid right away. Use it to start running your idea.
Make real progress on your idea in the world and you can earn up to $10,000 more.
Do I need experience or a finished idea?+
No. You do NOT need coding experience. You don’t need to be on the honor roll. You don’t need a business background. Friends and adults can help you think it through, but the entry is yours alone. You just need an idea you’ve actually thought about.
How long does it take?+
Not long. It’s a short video, not a long application. Then a yes-or-no review within 10 days.
What's the money for?+
To actually run your idea — supplies, a small stipend, partner honoraria, materials. Winners get $1,000 to start, students and educators alike.
Can I get help thinking it through?+
Yes — you can request a free 15-minute coaching call with a real person. Email hello@ideachallengenc.org with a few times that work for you. They’ll ask questions and give honest notes. Totally optional, and it never affects judging.
Ready? Pick your track.
All you need is a 2-minute video of an idea for your community. A $1,000 cash prize could be yours.