SXSW EDU Student Impact Pitch Challenge

SXSW EDU's Student Impact Challenge, presented by The Allstate Foundation, is a free pitch competition for high school students already running a project that tackles a social, economic or environmental problem in their community. Six finalist teams pitch live to a panel of judges and an audience of educators, investors and changemakers at SXSW EDU 2027 in Austin, Texas, and the winner takes the Student Impact Award. Students in the US and internationally can apply, solo or as a team.

What you get:

• Complimentary SXSW EDU 2027 credentials for your student presenters (the contest terms value each at about $795; the programme page says six per finalist team, covering two presenters plus chaperones and teammates)
• One-on-one pitch coaching and group webinars with innovators and social impact business strategists chosen by SXSW EDU
• A five-minute live pitch, plus five minutes of judges' questions, on stage at SXSW EDU in Austin
• A shot at the Student Impact Award, with first and second runner-up teams also recognised; SXSW EDU says winners typically receive a cash prize, with the 2027 prize package still to be announced
• Two semifinalist teams also get credentials, coaching and a showcase slot on stage after the finalist pitches

What you'll do:

• Submit an online application describing your problem, your project, its impact so far and your goals, with a 1 to 2 minute pitch video
• If selected, work with coaches on your pitch over the winter

• Currently enrolled high school student
• Aged 13 or older, and still enrolled in school as of March 13, 2027
• Open to US and international applicants
• Solo applicants and teams both qualify, with up to two student presenters at the live pitch
• The project must be past the ideation stage and in active development
• The project must make a direct impact on a social, economic or environmental problem, at any scale from local to international
• An adult sponsor must be named on the application
• One entry per project
• No application fee