How to Win the $100,000 Paradigm Challenge Scholarship in 2026

If you could, how would you make the world a better place? That’s what the Paradigm Challenge Scholarship asks children and students, ages 4 – 18. After all, this is the next generation of problem-solvers and changemakers.

What Is the Paradigm Challenge Scholarship?

The Paradigm Challenge Scholarship invites students between the ages of 4 – 18 to “use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve real-world problems,” states Founder and CEO, Jeff Richardson. Applicants can research and present solutions to five different scenarios and circumstances: • Home Fires • Waste Reduction • Personal Health • Food Security • Biodiversity

Paradigm Challenge Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the Paradigm Challenge is simple. First, students must register for the challenge online with the help of their parents. Then, they can either decide to work alone or alongside teammates. Teams or individual applicants will watch an official video from the Paradigm Challenge on problem-solving. After learning more about the most pressing issues facing the world, they can research the problems and see what others are doing to help. At this point, applicants will brainstorm ideas and work with others to come up with their own solution to solve one of the above issues. Teams or individual applicants should then submit their best idea to the Paradigm Challenge. They can do this through posters, videos, inventions, messages, community events, websites, or mobile apps.

Paradigm Challenge Winners and Award Amounts

After the deadline has passed, a panel of judges will evaluate all applications received. From those applications, 100 finalists will be selected. • 91 finalists will receive a $200 scholarship. • Three teams will be awarded 3rd place, resulting in a $1,000 scholarship for each. • Three teams will be awarded 2nd place, resulting in a $2,000 scholarship for each. • Two teams will be awarded 1st place, resulting in a $10,000 scholarship for each. Finally, the students who submit the top idea in each age division (4-8, 9-13, and 14-18) will receive a 4-day/3-night trip to Los Angeles. In L.A., these finalists are invited to attend the Paradigm Challenge Awards Ceremony, where the Grand Prize of $100,000 will be awarded. Finalists from each age division will also get to collaborate with one another on their projects and experience both the beach and a day at Disneyland. Remember, this is a challenge for kids!

Paradigm Challenge 2026: Deadline and Eligibility Requirements

Deadline: 5/1/26 Available To: Students, ages 4-18 Award Amount: Up to $100,000 The Paradigm Challenge is open to students up to the age of 18. You may work in a team or alone in creating an original and creative way to help solve real-life problems in homes, schools, communities, and/or around the world. Entries may take the form of posters, videos, inventions, messages, community events, websites, mobile apps, or anything else that helps save lives. Additionally, you must submit a brief statement of your idea (140 characters or fewer) to qualify for this award.