Addressing the critical need for development and enrichment in underserved communities, this competition equips high school students with essential community development skills. By participating, they gain the chance to express their vision for change, fostering a brighter tomorrow for their communities.

Engaging in this competition cultivates a range of skills that will prove invaluable in their future endeavors. Participants are required to demonstrate qualities such as independence, creativity, determination, business acumen, community spirit, and effective communication. They will take their ideas from inception to a fully developed pitch deck, presenting them to a panel of judges.

These newly acquired skills not only empower students to chase their dreams but also boost their self-confidence. The competition aims to ignite a lasting passion for community development and the nonprofit sector among its participants.

Beyond the prospect of winning a scholarship, the experience of competing in this event can significantly enhance a college application, providing a competitive edge regardless of the final outcome.

Participants must choose from three tracks: Technology, Education, or Social Innovation. The competition comprises two stages—a video submission round and a final in-person pitch round.

Registration opens Thursday, June 19th, with initial video submissions due by Friday, September 12th. Finalists will be announced on Friday, September 19th, and will advance to the live pitch event scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

Initial submissions must include a 3-5 minute video and a completed application form. Selected finalists will be paired with mentors to develop a comprehensive business plan and pitch deck, due by Wednesday, November 5th, 2025. These finalists will present their plans and pitches in a live competition in the Dallas area on Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

Scholarship awards and prizes await the top performers, with first, second, and third-place winners receiving amounts ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. While the M.A.D. Pitch Competition may not fully fund the execution of a student's idea, it provides valuable resources to support participants in completing their submissions.

• Participants must submit a 3-5 minute pitch video addressing the question: "How would you currently use technology, education, or social innovation to make a difference in your community?"

• Submission of an application form by the specified deadline is mandatory to be considered for scholarship awards. Confirmation of submission will be communicated via email by the sponsoring organization.

• Eligible applicants must be a current high school junior or senior attending a school in a historically underserved community within the DFW metroplex at the time of submission.

• Award recipients must provide proof of enrollment in college or trade school within one year of high school graduation to receive the scholarship award.