24 Colorado High Schoolers Compete for $25K Scholarships

Twenty-four high school teams will take the stage at the University of Colorado Boulder this Sunday to pitch their boldest ideas and compete for $25,000 in college scholarships.

The High School New Venture Challenge Finals brings together students from 14 Colorado high schools after nearly 90 teams entered the competition. These young entrepreneurs have spent months developing solutions to real-world problems in their communities.

The competition does more than just award prize money. Students build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills while learning to think like entrepreneurs and turn their ideas into action.

The finalist teams will tour CU Boulder's campus in the morning before the main event kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Six teams will advance to the championship round that afternoon, pitching live to expert judges and a packed audience.

FirstBank (now part of PNC) powers the third annual competition, which specifically reaches out to students from rural areas, first-generation families, and historically underserved communities. The scholarships open doors that might otherwise stay closed for many talented young people.

The public is invited to watch the finals from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on April 19. Organizers hope to fill the room with community members who want to support the next generation of innovators.

The Ripple Effect

This competition reaches far beyond one afternoon of pitches. Students walk away with real entrepreneurial skills they can use throughout their lives, whether they start businesses or apply creative problem-solving to any career path.

The program continues growing each year, building momentum across Colorado and proving that high schoolers can develop solutions just as innovative as those from seasoned professionals. These students are tackling challenges in healthcare, sustainability, education, and technology with fresh perspectives.

By creating pathways to college and careers in innovation, the challenge helps shape a future where more voices contribute to solving our biggest problems. The scholarships remove financial barriers, ensuring bright ideas aren't limited by economic circumstances.

Colorado's young innovators are ready to show what's possible when students get the support and platform to dream big.