Social Entrepreneurship Competition & Interview Boot Camp for High School Students
DriveImpact is Essai Education’s new Social Entrepreneurship & Interview Boot Camp, empowering ambitious high school students to build real-world projects and ace their college admissions journey.
Registration Opens: October 10, 2025 | Applications Close: October 22, 2025 | Winners Will Be Announced On: November 10, 2025
What is DriveImpact?
DriveImpact is a free, national competition and boot camp for high school students, designed to help you build real-world social innovation projects and master your college interview skills.
Through hands-on mentorship, practical training, and a unique two-round challenge, you’ll develop impactful solutions, gain interview experience, and showcase your leadership to top colleges.
Why Participate?
Build Real-World Impact
Turn your ideas into real social innovation projects that strengthen your college application and make a tangible difference in your community.
Completely Free & National
Open to all high school students (Grades 9–12) across the country—no fees, no resume needed. Just your creativity and desire to create change.
One-on-One Mentorship
Get guided by experienced mentors with exclusive feedback at every stage. Shortlisted finalists receive free consultation, mentor hours, and project advice.
Stand Out for College Admissions
Develop leadership, project-building, and presentation skills valued by top universities. Boost your profile with badges, certificates, and authentic impact.
Who Can Apply?
Open to high school students in Grades 9–12 (or equivalent homeschooled level) interested in social innovation and building real-world projects.
You do not need a resume, prior experience, or a fee—just enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to make a positive impact.
All students nationwide are eligible, regardless of school, background, or city.
How to Participate
Build Your Blueprint
Create a short project deck presenting your social impact idea, outlining the problem you want to solve, your approach, your team (if any), and the positive change you aim to create. Get input from a teacher or mentor for added strength.
Submit Your Entry
Register and submit your project deck online between October 10 and October 22, 2025. Make sure you complete all required details on the participation form.
Demo Day & Results
Finalists will be selected and announced.Winners and prize recipients will be revealed at the virtual event. All participants will get recognition and feedback.
The Prize
Selected students will receive
Workshop with a top admissions expert at Essai.
Amazon gift card for top 3 winners.
Personalized feedback and recognition for all shortlisted participants.
Feature opportunities on our platforms for finalists and winners.
Ready to Make an Impact and Stand Out for College?
Registration for this event is closed.
We’ll let you know about our next event soon!
Is there a cost to participate?
No, DriveImpact is completely free for all students.
Who can apply?
Any student currently in Grades 9–12 (or equivalent homeschooled level) nationwide is eligible, regardless of school or background. No prior experience required.
What should my file include?
A creative short project deck. Your entry should:
- Clearly describe the social issue you want to solve
- Share your solution and plan for impact
- Introduce your team or collaborator (if any)
- Show how mentorship or support would help you succeed
When will winners be announced?
Winners and finalists will be revealed on November 10, 2025.
When will the workshop take place?
Workshops, mentorship sessions, and follow-up training for finalists will be held after Demo Day, starting in late November and throughout December 2025.