1. Framing Your Product/Write-Up

A well-framed product or write-up is the foundation of your submission. Here’s how to structure it:

A. Start with the Problem

• Clearly define the problem you’re solving. Make it specific and relatable.

• Use statistics or a compelling anecdote to highlight the urgency of the issue.

• Example: “70% of high school students struggle with stress management, leading to declining mental health.”

B. Introduce Your Solution

• Present your product as the solution to the problem.

• Highlight its uniqueness and innovation. How does it stand out from existing solutions?

• Use concise and clear language to avoid jargon.

• Example: “Our app, MindEase, uses gamified cognitive behavioral therapy to help students build stress resilience.”

C. Define Your Target Audience

• Be specific about who will benefit from your product.

• Example: “Our primary audience is high school students aged 14-18 who experience academic pressure.”

D. Explain the Value Proposition

• Articulate the ‘why’ behind your product:

  • What makes it better, faster, cheaper, or more effective?

  • Why will people choose your product over others?

• Use this framework: “We solve [problem] for [target audience] by [unique feature/solution].”

E. Include the Business Model

• Outline how you’ll make money:

  • Subscriptions, one-time purchases, partnerships, ads, etc.

  • Keep it simple but clear.

• Example: “We will offer a freemium model with premium features priced at $5/month.”

F. Add the Impact

• Share metrics or goals to demonstrate your potential impact.

• Example: “We aim to improve stress levels in 1 million students by 2026.”

G. End with a Call to Action

• State what you’re seeking: funding, mentorship, exposure, or partnerships.

A. Structure of the Elevator Pitch

1. Hook: Start with an engaging statement, statistic, or question.

   • Example: “Did you know that 1 in 5 students drop out of high school due to anxiety?”

2. Problem: Briefly explain the problem.

3. Solution: Introduce your product in one sentence.

   • Example: “MindEase is a mobile app that turns therapy into a game to help students manage stress.”

4. Impact: Highlight the benefits and results your solution will deliver.

5. Call to Action: End with what you need (e.g., “Join us in bringing mental health support to students globally.”).

B. Tips for Delivering the Pitch

• Be concise: Limit your pitch to 1-2 minutes.

• Show passion: Judges want to see your enthusiasm and belief in the product.

• Practice, practice, practice: Memorize key points but remain natural.

• Adapt to your audience: Tailor your pitch based on whether your audience is technical, business-savvy, or general.

A. Structure Your Slides

1. Title Slide:

   • Include the project name, tagline, and your team name.

2. Problem Statement:

   • Use visuals (graphs, infographics, or photos) to convey the problem.

3. Solution:

   • Use 1-2 slides to explain how your product solves the problem.

   • Include screenshots, mockups, or videos of your prototype if possible.

4. Business Model:

   • Use a simple diagram or chart to show how you’ll generate revenue.

5. Market Opportunity:

   • Highlight market size, growth potential, or competitors.

   • Example: “The mental health app market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025.”

6. Call to Action:

   • End with what you’re seeking and next steps.

B. Design Tips

• Keep it simple: Use minimal text (bullet points, not paragraphs).

• Visuals are key: Use high-quality images, icons, and charts.

• Font and color: Stick to 2-3 complementary colors and ensure font size is legible (24pt or larger for main points).

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent theme across all slides.

Congressional App Challenge

• Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. (grades 9-12).

• Requirements:

  • Create and submit a fully functional app using any coding language or platform.

  • Provide a 1-3 minute demonstration video showcasing the app’s features.

  • Submit a written explanation of the app's purpose and development process.

• Additional Info: Focuses on innovation in coding and entrepreneurship. Winners are recognized in the U.S. Capitol and may be invited to Washington, D.C.

2. The Golden State STEM Fair

• Date: January 1 (annual).

• Eligibility: High school students in California interested in STEM and innovation.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a project proposal with a focus on STEM innovation.

  • Include a detailed concept, prototype (if applicable), and presentation slides.

  • Provide supporting documents via their forms and information page.

• Additional Info: Open to projects combining STEM and entrepreneurial skills.

3. Jacobson Institute Challenge

• Date: November 15 (annual).

• Eligibility: High school students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a business idea via a written proposal (2-3 pages).

  • Include a pitch video (2-4 minutes) outlining the problem and your solution.

  • Optional: Prototype or visuals to enhance the idea.

• Additional Info: Focuses on empowering students to address real-world challenges with entrepreneurial solutions.

4. Diamond Challenge

• Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18.

• Requirements:

  • A 3-5 page written concept covering the business model, target audience, and innovation.

  • A 5-minute pitch video.

  • Teams of 2-4 students with a designated team leader.

• Additional Info: Offers both virtual and in-person pitch opportunities with a focus on business and social innovation.

5. Conrad Challenge

• Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 worldwide.

• Requirements:

  • Submit an innovation proposal (approximately 1,200 words).

  • Develop a prototype or detailed concept.

  • Participate in virtual mentoring and refinement rounds.

• Additional Info: STEM-focused with a strong emphasis on solving global issues.

6. NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

• Eligibility: High school students enrolled in NFTE programs.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a business canvas or written business model.

  • Prepare a pitch presentation, including a possible video component.

  • Optional: Prototype to strengthen the idea.

• Additional Info: Offers scholarships and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs.

7. DECA Innovation Plan

• Eligibility: High school students part of DECA chapters.

• Requirements:

  • A written business plan (up to 10 pages).

  • Prototypes or models are encouraged but not required.

  • A live pitch or presentation during competitions.

• Additional Info: Focused on marketing and practical business skills.

8. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Plan Competition

• Eligibility: FBLA members in high school.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a comprehensive business plan (up to 15 pages).

  • Prototype or product demonstration optional but beneficial.

  • Live presentation at competitions.

• Additional Info: Focuses on strategy, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.

9. Blue Ocean High School Entrepreneurship Competition

• Eligibility: High school students worldwide.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a 3-minute pitch video.

  • A written concept (1-2 pages) describing the innovative product or service.

  • Prototype or visual aids optional but recommended.

• Additional Info: Focuses on creative and disruptive ideas.

10. Young Tycoons Business Challenge

• Eligibility: High school students globally.

• Requirements:

  • Submit a business proposal and pitch video (3-5 minutes).

  • Develop an elevator pitch for the competition rounds.

  • Prototypes encouraged to strengthen submissions.

• Additional Info: Offers international networking opportunities.

11. Big Ideas Challenge

• Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.

• Requirements:

  • Submit an essay describing the innovation (up to 1,000 words).

  • Visual presentation (poster, sketches, or diagrams).

  • Teams must prepare a 3-minute pitch video.

• Additional Info: Encourages solutions to global issues.

12. YEA! (Young Entrepreneurs Academy)

• Eligibility: High school and middle school students.

• Requirements:

  • Attend weekly entrepreneurship classes (through YEA! chapters).

  • Develop a business plan and pitch to a panel of investors.

  • Prototype optional but beneficial.

• Additional Info: Winners can earn funding to launch their businesses.