The Student Impact Challenge, presented by The Allstate Foundation, celebrates student achievement and agency in solving the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by providing a platform for high school students to showcase their innovative ideas. The challenge invites students to submit their idea for a current project that is making an impact in their community and provides students with a remarkable opportunity to share their talents, validate and refine their ideas, and gain experience. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of a panel of judges, as well as a live audience at SXSW EDU 2027.
Students with a project or initiative are encouraged to apply during the application process, opening August 5.
Application Process
High School students are encouraged to complete the online application process to be considered as a finalist or semifinalist for the Student Impact Challenge.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a currently enrolled high school student and 13 years or older in order to be considered.
- Both U.S. and international applicants are eligible.
- Solo entrepreneurs and team applicants qualify.
- Proposed solutions must be past the ideation stage and must be in active development.
- Eligible projects must be working to make direct impact on a social, economic, or environmental problem. The scale of the project can be local, regional, national, or international regardless of the scope of the challenge.
Opportunities for Selected Participants
Finalists
- Receive six (6) complimentary credentials to SXSW EDU 2027 (two for the student presenters, and the remaining four for adult chaperones and additional team members).
- Pitch live to an audience of educators, investors, and changemakers for the opportunity to win the Student Impact Award.
- Have access to coaching sessions with savvy innovators and social impact business strategists selected by SXSW EDU to help participants refine their project idea and perfect their pitch.
Semifinalists
- Receive six (6) complimentary credentials to SXSW EDU 2026 (two for the student presenters, and the remaining four for adult chaperones and additional team members)
- Have access to coaching sessions with savvy innovators and social impact business strategists selected by SXSW EDU to help participants refine their project idea and model
- Opportunity to showcase their project or initiative to a live audience of educators, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators on stage at SXSW EDU.
Prize
Student Impact Award
Supported by The Allstate Foundation, the Student Impact Award recognizes young leaders creating change through service and innovation. This award is given to the Student Impact Challenge’s grand prize winner. The recipient of this award impressed the judges as the top project with its innovative solution to a clear problem, strong execution plan, proof of concept, potential for impact, and unique perspective of the team. First runner up and second runner up teams will also be awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
For frequently asked questions and answers, check out the Student Impact Challenge FAQ.
History
Learn more about the history of the Student Impact Challenge by browsing a full list of past finalists and winners.