RISE Impact
Empowering high school students to create positive, measurable impact in their communities
Complete Competition Guide
Download the official RISE Handbook for detailed eligibility requirements, comprehensive grading rubrics, competition rules, and everything you need to submit a winning application.
Download RISE Handbook (PDF)This comprehensive guide contains all official competition details and requirements
Competition Timeline
Join our annual Student Impact Grant Competition and transform your idea into reality
Preliminary Submissions Open
Sept 1 - Oct 1
Submit your 3-5 minute YouTube pitch video and 300-word project description
Preliminary Judging
Oct 1 - Oct 8
Judges review all submissions using our comprehensive scoring rubric
Finalists Notified
Oct 8 - Oct 11
Top applicants are informed and provided with interview scheduling options
Finalist Interviews
Oct 12 - Oct 25
10-minute live pitch followed by 5-minute Q&A with judging panel
Winners Announced
Oct 25 - Oct 31
Winners publicly announced, grants distributed, and award letters issued
Eligibility Requirements
Quick overview of the key requirements to participate in the competition
Who Can Apply
High school students ages 13-19 enrolled in US schools
Project Requirements
Student-led projects creating positive community impact
Team Size
Individual or team applications (max 4 members)
What You Need to Submit
Your application consists of two key components that showcase your project and vision
Video Pitch
3-5 minutes
- Upload as "Unlisted" on YouTube
- Clearly explain your project idea
- Demonstrate why it matters
- Show your passion and commitment
Written Description
300 words max
- Outline your project idea
- Explain the community need
- Detail your execution plan
- Highlight expected impact
If Selected as a Finalist:
You'll participate in a live 10-minute online pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A with our judging panel. Optional slides, prototypes, or demos are welcome. You may also be asked to submit a more detailed project plan and budget.
How We Evaluate
Your project will be scored on five key criteria by multiple independent judges
Impact and Mission
30 pointsClearly defines community need, explains relevance, and demonstrates potential for meaningful change
Feasibility
20 pointsProvides realistic plan, reasonable budget, and identifies attainable resources
Leadership & Passion
20 pointsShows commitment, effective teamwork, and problem-solving capacity
Creativity & Innovation
15 pointsOffers fresh approach, improves existing strategies, and demonstrates creative thinking
Presentation Quality
15 pointsCommunicates clearly, maintains engagement, and demonstrates professionalism
Total: 100 Points
Scores are averaged across all judges and may be statistically adjusted for fairness
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the competition
High school students (grades 9-12) between ages 13-19 who are enrolled in a US school (public, private, charter, or homeschool). Teams of up to 4 students are welcome.
Any project that creates positive, measurable community impact. This includes environment, education, mental health, social justice, technology for good, and more. Projects should be student-led and can be new ideas or early-stage initiatives.
Grant amounts vary based on project needs and scope. Winners receive funding to execute their approved projects, along with official award letters for college applications.
Finalists participate in a live 10-minute online pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A with our judging panel. You'll be notified by email with scheduling options between October 12-25.
Winners receive funds directly for project expenses. All funds must be used exclusively for the approved project, with required expense tracking and progress reports.
Yes! Adults can provide mentorship and guidance, but the project must be conceived, led, and primarily executed by students. Adults cannot manage the project or submit on your behalf.
Start Preparing Your Project
Use the time before applications open to develop your project idea, create your video pitch, and gather any resources you'll need for a winning submission.
Get Support & Guidance