Terms & Conditions

Exponential Scholars (Exponential Foundation, Inc.), a North Carolina nonprofit. No purchase or fee to enter.

NC students rising grades 5–12 and NC educators (self-identified). Individual entries only; no teams. Employees of Exponential Scholars and their immediate family are ineligible. Family members of judges may enter; a judge is never assigned a submission from a family member or anyone they personally know (recusal enforced in assignment).

Submit a 1–2 minute video at ideachallengenc.org between July 15 and October 4, 2026. Optional supplemental materials may be included but are not required and do not affect the guarantee of review. Entries by minors require parental consent, confirmed by a parent or guardian before judging.

Each entry is reviewed by 2 judges on community impact, authenticity, and feasibility. Decisions within 10 days and final. All applicants receive written feedback.

$1,000 per winning entry; up to $10,000 additional for demonstrated progress. Awards to minors are paid via a parent/guardian, who must complete required tax paperwork (W-9). Recipients are responsible for any taxes.

By entering, you grant Exponential Scholars a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and share your submission (including video excerpts and your idea description) for promotional and educational purposes, with a clear opt-out available at entry and at any time after — opting out never affects judging or awards. You keep ownership of your idea. We make no ongoing marketing commitments.

Your idea and video must be your own. Coaching and encouragement are fine; the thinking must be yours.

Per the Privacy Policy: minimal data, 1-year retention for non-winners.

We may disqualify entries violating these terms; the Challenge may be modified or canceled if fraud or technical failure undermines it; North Carolina law governs. Questions: hello@ideachallengenc.org