Prizes
Teams can earn round-specific awards, have their work published among the top eight essays nationally, and ultimately compete for a share of the $250,000 total prize pool.
Final Round Prize Pool
Place | Total Prize | Prize Distribution |
|---|---|---|
1st Place | $120,000 | Student Team: $60,000 College/University: $50,000 Advisor: $10,000 |
2nd Place | $80,000 | Student Team: $40,000 College/University: $35,000 Advisor: $5,000 |
3rd Place | $50,000 | Student Team: $25,000 College/University: $20,000 Advisor: $5,000 |
Competition Awards
Most Innovative Solutions Award (Rounds 1 & 2)
Purpose: Recognizes original, creative approach grounded in ethics.
Criteria: Novelty of the idea, feasibility of implementation, ethical soundness, and potential for scalability.
Prize: $1000 total award ($250 for each student team member), official certificate, and a featured spotlight post.
Free Market Impact Award
Purpose: Celebrates the best integration of appreciation for the U.S. free market economy within solution.
Criteria: Understanding of market mechanisms, respect for property rights and the rule of law, thoughtful balance between innovation and stakeholder protection, and long-term economic impact.
Prize: $2500 total award ($500 for each student team member and advisor), official certificate, and recognition at the awards ceremony.