PASE Network News

Join the Mott Million Dollar Challenge — a pitch competition for kids and teens. This is the place where your best ideas come to life. Kids and teens grades K-12, from any U.S. state or the District of Columbia can enter solo or with a team of up to three for a prize pool up of to $1M. Just jot down your idea and record a simple 30-90 second video about your idea. The two categories are: 1. business challenges, which are pitches for a new business, and 2. social challenges, which are pitches for businesses that address social challenges. Ideas can be submitted by February 27, 2026 via the pitch form. 

Atlas Fellows is a program that prepares young people for careers in finance by providing four years of intensive support, and they are currently seeking high school seniors to apply for the opportunity. The program provides financial support, connects students with paid, full-time summer internships throughout college, and provides mentorship as well as a network. Strong candidates are high school seniors with a passion for finance, should excel in STEM fields, and have outstanding leadership potential. This flyer provides a program and eligibility overview. Applications are open through February 23, 2026. 

Reel Works' Winter Supported Lab is a free experimental week-long filmmaking intensive that provides community, support, and resources for neurodivergent NYC students ages 15-21 as they explore storytelling through filmmaking. Reel Works focuses on individual needs to provide multiple entry points to expression. The program will take place on February 16, 2026 to February 20, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM each day. Apply by January 25, 2026 via their electronic application. 

This spring, Building Beats is offering two free programs at the Lower Eastside Girls Club for young creatives ages 16–24. On Thursdays, Frequency Society: bbLeaders Radio provides a space for participants to explore radio, podcasting, and DJing while collaborating on a monthly radio show, developing content creation skills, and connecting with industry professionals. On Fridays, the Creative Pathways program focuses on music production, DJing, and the music business. Students will gain hands-on experience, work with mentors, and design their own creative project to showcase at the end of the program. Both programs also provide guidance and support for college and post-secondary pathways to help students plan for their next steps. Both programs are open to all identities, and no prior experience is required. Read full details of each program and apply by February 13, 2026 to be considered. For questions, contact programming@buildingbeats.org. 

Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges. The Olivers Scholars team is currently recruiting 7th grade students for their program, which provides students with skills and strategies to manage the admissions process; promotes scholarship, leadership, and service; and supports with guidance for college. If you know a high-achieving 7th grader, you can nominate them via their website through January 11, 2026.