FLINT, Mich. — The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is launching a national pitch competition for kids and teens as part of its centennial celebration.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge invites K-12 students in all 50 states to submit innovative business ideas or creative solutions to community issues for a chance to win $1 million in cash prizes.
The competition is open to students up to age 18, who may participate individually or in teams of up to three. To enter the first round, participants must submit a 30 to 90 second video explaining their idea and the problem it aims to address. It should be noted that a simple video is all that’s needed, no advanced video editing or production techniques are required.
“Every young person has the potential to make a difference,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “C.S. Mott’s innovative spirit made the Mott Foundation possible, so we’re honoring that legacy by equipping the next generation with essential 21st century skills: leadership, creativity and ingenuity.”
More than 1,000 prizes will be awarded for the top video submissions. Judges will then select the top 60 entrants, who will receive an additional cash prize and be invited to attend a competition in Flint this June. Finalists will receive coaching to further develop their business plans or social initiatives before presenting their pitches for a chance to win larger awards.
The challenge is funded by the Mott Foundation and administered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in partnership with VentureLab, the Young Entrepreneur Institute, the Afterschool Alliance and Collaborative Communications.
“Young people are the world’s most powerful innovators,” said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE president and CEO. “They see opportunities where others see obstacles and imagine solutions that can reshape entire communities.”
The announcement of the national pitch competition comes just two weeks after the Flint-based foundation unveiled a similar program for local students.
Submissions are open now through Feb. 27, 2026. For more information or to enter the competition, visit mottmillion.org.