Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Scholarship Overview: global science video competition for students ages 13–18 that encourages young people to creatively explain complex concepts in physics, mathematics, or life sciences through short videos
Application Available: May 1, 2026
Deadline Date: September 15, 2026

Scholarship Details:

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition for students ages 13–18 that encourages young people to creatively explain complex concepts in physics, mathematics, or life sciences through short videos. Founded by Julia and Yuri Milner, the competition awards a $250,000 college scholarship to the winner, along with a $50,000 prize for their teacher and a $100,000 science lab renovation for their school. Participants are judged on their ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly, creatively, and engagingly, making the challenge a unique opportunity for students passionate about STEM and science communication.

Eligibility Requirements

• Individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 may participate. You must be 13 years of age by May 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM Pacific Daylight Timeto participate in the Competition, and You cannot be older than 18 years of age (not yet 19) on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.
• The competition is open to students worldwide, except for residents of certain restricted countries.
• An official government-issued document such as a birth certificate, state ID, country ID, or passport document verifying your age and nationality. If your submission makes it into the Evaluation Panel review, we will verify your age during the Verification process.

Participants must create and submit an original short video (no longer than two minutes) that explains a concept in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences in an engaging and creative way. Submissions must be the student’s own work, and entrants are required to complete all application components, including a written description of their video. Children of employees or affiliates of the organizers are not eligible to participate.

To submit an Entry for the Competition, go to breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org, (the “Website”), click “Enter” at the top of the webpage and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application form to receive one (1) Entry into the Competition. In order for Your Entry to be valid and complete, You must also review at least five (5) other Entries from other entrants (“Peers”), as further described below. In addition, Your video submission must be two minutes (2:00) or under according to the clock on YouTube.

Application Requirements: Video

Essay Details:

Create an original short video (no longer than two minutes) that explains a concept in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences in an engaging and creative way.

Award Amount: 250,000

Award Details:

One (1) Prize (“Prize”) will be awarded to the Winner consisting of: a $250,000 college scholarship (“Scholarship”) and renovations to the Winner’s school (“School”) valued up to $100,000 for the renovation or addition of a science lab. As part of the Prize, the Winner will also elect one teacher (“Teacher”) who has inspired the Winner in the field of science or mathematics, and such teacher will be awarded $50,000. The Competition Sponsor or its designee (as applicable) will (i) coordinate the renovation details with the School, (ii) supply a team to work on remodeling, and (iii) pay up to $100,000 for all approved expenses associated with the renovation. The total approximate retail value of the Prize is $400,000.

Website/URL: https://breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org/

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Email: challenge@breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org

Additional Scholarship Information:

The Scholarship can only be used for education-related expenses including tuition and fees, required books and supplies, on-campus room and board and other education-related expenses (as approved by Competition Sponsor) at an accredited post-secondary educational institution for undergraduate enrollment.
The Scholarship amount for a particular year is not to exceed the total cost of tuition, fees and education-related expenses. The amount of education related expenses may be determined by the Winner’s school financial aid representative annually and documented on a School Cost/Enrollment Verification Form.
Post-secondary educational institutions must be accredited undergraduate institutions or non-U.S. equivalents.
The Scholarship will be paid directly to the post-secondary undergraduate educational institutions in which Winner is enrolled.
The Scholarship must be used within 8 years of graduation from secondary school or will be forfeited in whole or in part.

Filters:

Areas of Study: Open to All, Biological, Biomedical Studies, & Pre-Med Studies, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Student (9-11), High School Senior
Location Specific: National