presented by The Allstate Foundation

STUDENT IMPACT CHALLENGE

The Student Impact Challenge celebrates student achievement and agency in solving the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

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Student Impact Challenge Winners - SXSW EDU 2024 - Photo by Caleb Pickens

ABOUT

 

The Student Impact Challenge provides high school students making an impact in their community with an opportunity to share their talents, validate and refine their ideas, and gain experience. This year’s competition is presented by The Allstate Foundation, which empowers youth to serve their communities and create positive change.

Watch selected finalists compete live before a panel of industry experts in the Student Impact Challenge on Wednesday, March 5on the Next Stage in the SXSW EDU Expo. Following the live competition, join us for ice cream and the winner announcement at the Student Impact Ice Cream Social presented by The Allstate Foundation.

Finalists and semifinalists will have access to coaching provided by CASE at Duke.

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.

Tuesday, August 6 | Application Opens
Friday, October 25 | Application Closes

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.
  • Proposed solutions must be seeking to solve social challenges that resonate in communities at a local, regional, national, or international level, regardless of project scale.
Prize

Student Impact Award:

This award is given to the Student Impact Challege’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.

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.

JUDGES

Greg Weatherford II

Managing Director

The Allstate Foundation & Social Impact

Juanita Soranno

Head of Impact

Cengage Group

Rohit Srinivasan

Founder

Trashbots

Tiana Day

Founder & Executive Director

Youth Advocates for Change

EMCEE

Anatola Araba

Founder, Filmmaker, & Futurist

Reimagine Story Labs

FINALISTS

 

Household Appliances Innovation Powered by Solar
Odeda, Abeokuta, Nigeria

The SparkWise Initiative focuses on empowering students and communities with sustainable energy solutions through innovation and skill development. Our project, Household Appliances Innovation Powered by Solar, trains students to recycle plastic and electronic waste to create affordable, solar-powered household appliances. By addressing electricity challenges, reducing environmental waste, and promoting renewable energy, the initiative fosters problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and a sustainable future for underserved communities.

InSpec
Chula Vista, California & Oakville, Ontario, Canada

InSpec is a patent-pending, accessible, and affordable spectrophotometer device designed to revolutionize water quality testing by detecting contaminants at its source. Our device works like a fire alarm, alerting users to potential water hazards before they become critical, enabling timely interventions and preventative measures. We align our mission with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health & Well-being and Clean Water & Sanitation, democratizing safe water access for all.

Organic Fertilizers for Everyone (Adubo Orgânico para Todos)
Sao Paulo, Brazil

The project supplies free organic fertilizers to poor farmers in the Brazilian semiarid region, enabling agriculture productivity gains, reducing hunger and increasing income generation in needy communities. Also it provides education about the correct and productive use of organic fertilizers and composting techniques, spreading practices of sustainable agriculture and circular economy. Besides its social and economic objectives, the environment benefits from less organic residue disposals.

Spark
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Spark is a highly developed prototype that provides comprehensive resources and engaging activities for children with autism while equipping caregivers and therapist with collaborative monitoring and configuration tools. The application embraces the unique needs of children on the spectrum, offering a safe and enriching environment for growth and development, advancing them at the appropriate pace, while providing key data to caregivers.

Swype AI
Herndon, Virginia

Swype is an assistive technology application, transforming how people with motor-neurodegenerative diseases operate their computer - from traditional devices like keyboards and mice to seamless gestures and voice commands. It leverages advanced computer-vision algorithms, including OpenCV, MediaPipe. By turning a smartphone camera into a functional input device, Swype eliminates the need for traditional tools like keyboards and mice, which can be difficult to use for those with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis.

Unfold4All
Dublin, California & Kirkland, Washington

History shapes our identity, our worldview, and our future. But what if the history we're taught is incomplete or one-sided? Many textbooks omit crucial perspectives, especially those of marginalized communities. This perpetuates harmful biases and limits our understanding of today’s challenges. Unfold4All is changing this. We create inclusive education through a unique curriculum and a podcast—“What Your History Textbook Left Out”—to amplify voices and stories from diverse backgrounds.

SEMIFINALISTS

 

GreenifyAI
Lafayette, Colorado

Since replanting is key to disaster recovery and/or preventing further catastrophe,we planted over 60 native trees and remediated soil using myco-remediation. Disaster recovery replanting necessitates knowledge, community and vision - our GreenifyAI design provides all 3 - geolocation adjusts output, image classification identifies threats, and API coordination shares key information. Other young people can replant and recover because GreenifyAI links them to community and key information.

Learning Quest
San Jose, California

Learning Quest is a global nonprofit transforming education for underprivileged children. It has provided over 14,000 books to nearly 22,000 children across countries such as the USA and India, supporting efforts to build libraries, improve classroom resources, and empower students with learning materials. This is complemented by an innovative platform that connects schools with global donors, creating meaningful, impactful support for education worldwide.

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