The YouthCon Scholarship
Our student-led scholarship competition since 2014: D.C.-area middle and high school students propose how they would use $300 to make a difference, then present the idea to a panel.
A Scholarship for Students with an Idea to Give Back
YouthCon rewards innovative, driven students with a giving-back mindset, and builds the skills that make ideas happen: writing, presenting and leadership. Each year has a theme and an essay prompt, and every entry answers the same question: what would you do with $300 to make a lasting difference in your community?
Who Can Enter
- Middle or high school students.
- Living in the DMV: Washington, D.C., Maryland or Virginia.
- Able to attend the in-person presentation round in March.
- Able to attend the AASuccess Gala in August, where winners are honored.
Each year's rules are posted on the YouthCon site when entries open.
Next Up: YouthCon 2027
The 2026 competition, Passion into Action, is complete. The 2027 theme, essay prompt and deadlines are announced when entries open, usually in December, on the YouthCon site and in the E-News.
- 2025 winners: Elizabeth Uranta, Katie Lopez and Claribel Davis
- Latest E-News: new dates are announced here first
- Past YouthCons: themes and winners since 2018
Questions? Email YouthCon@AASuccess.org.
YouthCon at a Glance
How YouthCon Works
Exact dates are posted when entries open.
- December
Entries Open
The theme and essay prompt are announced on the YouthCon site.
- Mid-January
Essay Deadline
Submit a 500–650 word essay and the online application.
- February
Finalists Announced
Judges review every essay and invite finalists to present.
- March
Presentation Round
Finalists present their project ideas in person; final results follow a week later.
- June – July
Summer Internship
Winners turn their idea into a real project with AASuccess mentors.
- August
Award Ceremony
Winners are honored at the AASuccess Gala.
Previous YouthCons
Act with Impact
Winners: Elizabeth Uranta, Katie Lopez, Claribel Davis
Embrace the Unknown
Winners: Laura Zhang, Samuel Indyk, Myla Leung
Igniting the Spark
Winners: Leilani Co, Sofia M’mari, Bhargav Garre Venkata
Lay the Foundation
First prize $3,000, a $200 project budget and a seven-week summer internship.
A Lasting Legacy
Winners: Elizabeth Nguyen
YouthCon USA
Winners: Ethan Nguyen, Tina Xia, Medeline Krisko
YouthCon Vietnam
24 applicants proposed how to use 15 million VND; top awards went to “No worries” and “Happism”.
YouthCon USA
Winners: Neha Krishnakumar, Kristina Nguyen, Khiem Doan
Support the Next YouthCon
Sponsors fund the scholarships and the summer projects winners lead.