Before entering the Vermont Pitch Challenge, be sure to review the official rules, regulations, terms and conditions.
Who is eligible to participate in the Vermont Pitch Challenge?
Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The competition is open to local, national and international students.
How do students participate in the Vermont Pitch Challenge?
Read the submission guide for full details on how to participate.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the challenge. The final five teams will pitch their plans in-person at the University of Vermont. Financial assistance will be provided to finalists to attend the pitch in person.
If I am a finalist, do I have to participate in the final presentations in person?
Yes, all finalist teams must present their final presentations to the panel of judges in person.
What are the prizes?
First place – Scholarship to the University of Vermont (tuition and comprehensive fee) for all team members (Please note: Receipt of this prize is contingent upon admission to the University of Vermont. Winning the challenge does not guarantee admission to UVM). Second place - $5,000 cash prize (taxable and paid in USD). Third place - $5,000 cash prize (taxable and paid in USD). Fourth place - $1,000 cash prize (taxable and paid in USD). Fifth place - $1,000 cash prize (taxable and paid in USD).
What is the value of the grand prize (scholarship to UVM)?
The value of your scholarship may change annually and will be the amount of full-time tuition and the comprehensive fee for the fall and spring semesters. This scholarship may not be applied to summer session courses.
If I win a scholarship to UVM, how will receiving this scholarship impact other financial aid that I may be offered?
All financial resources must be accounted for when determining eligibility for financial aid. Need-based loans and work study programs generally are reduced prior to adjusting any need-based grant or University scholarship assistance. In some instances, if the amount of additional resources is greater than your loans and work study, we may be required federally to reduce your need-based grant and/or scholarship funds.
Additionally, please review UVM’s general scholarship policies for additional terms & conditions that may result in changes to eligible amounts.
If I win a scholarship to UVM, how long can I receive this scholarship for, and what is the criteria for renewing?
If awarded, you will receive your scholarship for a maximum of 8 semesters as long as you continue to meet all other terms and conditions. Additionally, you must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average. Renewal eligibility is evaluated at the end of each spring term. This scholarship may not be applied to summer session courses. Review UVM’s general scholarship policies for additional terms and conditions.
Who can be an adult sponsor and why do I need one?
The adult sponsor can be anyone associated with your team who is 21 years of age or older. You are required to have an adult sponsor who will accompany you to the in-person event if you are selected as a finalist and who can verify information the Vermont Pitch Challenge may need such as academic information, etc.
What is the team captain responsible for?
The team captain is responsible for submitting the project proposal as part of their application.
What formats of proposals can I submit?
You are welcome to submit a written, audio, or video proposal. Written proposals are to be between 3 and 5 pages in length. Audio and video proposals are to be no longer than 4 minutes.