Accepting applications Fully Funded

Paradigm Challenge

Last updated May 11, 2026

Deadline

2027-05-01

Country

United States

Organization

Project Paradigm

Field

Environmental Science, Public Health, Food Security, Biodiversity, Social Innovation

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The Paradigm Challenge is an international competition for students aged 4 to 18. It encourages participants to use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to solve real-life problems related to various global issues. The challenge offers significant monetary prizes that can be used for college expenses.

Coverage

Winners can receive up to $100,000 in prize money. Additionally, up to four team members from the top entry in each age division (ages 4-8, 9-13, and 14-18), along with a parent or guardian for each, will receive a 4-day/3-night trip to Los Angeles, USA, to attend The Paradigm Challenge Prize Ceremony. This trip includes travel, accommodation, and experiences like Disneyland.

Eligibility

This competition is open to students worldwide, aged 4 to 18 years old as of the date of entry submission. Participants can enter either individually or as part of a team of any size.

Requirements

Applicants are required to develop ideas that address one or more of the specified Paradigm Challenge Projects. Current project areas include Home Fires, Waste Reduction, Personal Health, Food Security, and Biodiversity. Submissions can take various forms, such as posters, videos, inventions, public messages, community events, websites, or mobile applications.

How to apply

Students must submit an entry that proposes a solution to one of the challenge projects. Finalists are selected throughout the challenge period as entries are submitted. A blue-ribbon panel of judges evaluates finalist entries based on effectiveness, feasibility, originality, presentation, and collaboration to determine the First, Second, Third, and Grand Prize winners. Further details on the application process and rules are available on the official Project Paradigm website.

Notes

For participants under 13 years old, identifying information (like last name, day of birth, or address) will only be collected with written consent from their parents or guardians. Emails for participants under 13 will be sent to the parent/guardian's registered email address.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Project Paradigm

Original source: JLV College Counseling

Official application page: http://www.projectparadigm.org/

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.