Opportunities for Youth

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In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will be awarding $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending Pennsylvania colleges and universities in the 2026/2027 academic school year.

Who
Pennsylvania High School Seniors who are planning to attend an accredited Pennsylvania college or university for the 2026/2027 academic school year 

What
Twenty-five $10,000 Scholarships will be awarded throughout America250PA’s six designated regions. 

Where
Any Pennsylvania College or University 
• Up to 12 to any Pennsylvania Community College 
• Up to 13 to any Pennsylvania Post-Secondary College or University 

When
Application: September 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
Review: February 1 – March 15, 2026
Notifications: By March 30, 2026
Public Announcements: Scholarships will be awarded in April 2026 for the 2026/2027 academic year. 
Luncheon Honoring Awardees: Late April in Harrisburg

Inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s question, “Shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generation?” the Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s Latest Generation Film Contest encourages young filmmakers to explore the past through the art of visual storytelling. The program offers free resources for participants and educators, along with awards and recognition, to help young digital creators turn historical insights into powerful, memorable films.

This contest is open to U.S. residents ages 14–22. Participants are invited to create a 5–8 minute documentary film that tells a true story of someone who challenged the status quo, embraced a new way of thinking, or imagined a different future—and, in doing so, helped others thrive.

Do you already have a film that fits the theme? Maybe it just needs editing to fit the time requirements? We hope you will consider submitting for recognition and connections.

Winning filmmakers will receive mentorship, cash prizes, and will be honored at a red carpet event in Chicago.  

2026 Contest Theme:

“Think Anew, Act Anew: American Innovators and Changemakers”

This year’s theme is inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 Annual Message to Congress, in which he declared, “We must think anew, and act anew.” As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the theme challenges participants to look to the past for powerful stories of people in the United States who faced moments of change and responded with courage, creativity, and bold action.

Inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 Annual Message to Congress, in which he declared, “We must think anew, and act anew,” this year’s theme challenges participants to look to the past for stories that reshaped communities and helped the nation move forward.

This national pitch competition invites K–12 students to submit a 30–90 second video sharing an idea that improves their school, home, or community.

Why programs love this opportunity:

$1 million in prizes awarded nationwide

Students can apply individually or in teams of up to three

Encourages youth voice, creativity, and leadership

Supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

A great fit for programs that focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, or student-led projects.

Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026. 

 Rooted in Youth is a youth-led podcast powered by our YLAB Student Ambassadors and sponsored by Project AWARE, providing a platform for young people to amplify their voices and lead meaningful conversations. Each episode features students exploring the topics that matter most to them—mental health, leadership, identity, community issues, and more—while sharing their lived experiences, perspectives, and solutions. YLAB Student Ambassadors also interview speakers for the upcoming NEPA Youth-Led Leadership Conference, share updates throughout the planning process, and highlight key moments from the conference after April. Rooted in Youth ensures that teens are not just heard, but valued as leaders shaping their communities and the world around them. 

Calling all student storytellers:

NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is back for 2026. As always, we're looking to award prizes to the best middle school and high school podcasts in America — but we have an additional special prize this year:

To mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, send us podcasts that explore what the phrase, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" means to you.

For this special challenge, our judges will be listening for stories that look back at historical events, take us to historic places, or that explore what it means to be an American. Stories of innovation, of rights and protest, arts and culture, civic engagement and governance, or personal narratives or beliefs.

The 2026 edition of the Student Podcast Challenge will open on Jan. 5 and close on May 31. 

You can submit here, whenever you're ready.