Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
A worldwide video contest for students 13–18 who explain a big science or math idea. One winner gets a $250,000 scholarship, a $50,000 award for a teacher, and a new science lab for their school.
- Amount
- $250,000 college scholarship, $50,000 for a teacher, and a science lab worth up to $100,000 for the school
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Closed
- Who this fits
- Microschool · Private school · Homeschool co‑opFor individual students ages 13–18 from any school or homeschool. The science lab prize goes only to a nonprofit or government school.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026on breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- When does the 2027 round open?
What to do now
- Step 1: Watch the page for the next round's dates
- Step 2: Make a short science or math explainer video in English
- Step 3: Submit during the open window
- Step 4: Review five other entries when asked
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 may participate.”
Students enter alone with a short science video; group entries aren't allowed. The winner's school must show it is “a nonprofit or governmental institution” to get the lab. If the winner is homeschooled, they can suggest a school, and the sponsor decides.
- Age 13–18
- Individual entry, in English
- Review five other entries in the peer-review round
Timing
The 2026 round ran May 11 to September 15, 2026 and has closed. Watch the page for the next round.