Apply for the Community College Innovation Challenge
Do you have a STEM-based idea with the potential to make an impact? Through the Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC), students gain the tools, coaching, and experience to turn ideas into action and step into the role of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Led by American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the CCIC is a national competition that enables community college students to use science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to solve real-world problems. And the best part? You don’t need a prototype, a startup, or years of experience—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to think big.
What Is the Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC)?
The CCIC invites teams of two to four community college students, working with a faculty or administrator mentor, to develop an innovative STEM-based solution that addresses a real societal need. Teams submit a short essay and a 90-second video describing their idea.
From there, up to 12 finalist teams are selected from across the country to attend a four-day Innovation Boot Camp in Washington, D.C., where students receive intensive coaching in strategic communication and entrepreneurial skills—and connect with other student innovators, STEM leaders, and industry professionals. Each team member also receives full travel support and a $500 honorarium for participating as a finalist.
The Boot Camp culminates in a poster session and engagement opportunity on Capitol Hill with STEM leaders and Congressional stakeholders, and a pitch presentation in front of a panel of industry and entrepreneurial professionals to win additional cash awards:
- $3,000 per student for first place
- $2,000 per student for second place
- $1,000 per student for third place
Ask past participants, and they will tell you that the real value goes far beyond the prize money.
Why Students Say the CCIC Is a Game-Changer
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Paul Rosile, a CCIC student team member from Columbus State Community College. “We talked a lot about how to distill the impact of our innovation into the most important wording. At the end of every session, I came out with a new thought process, a new way of thinking. Those skills will help us take an idea, with solid scientific backing, to a room full of people ready to make change.”
That kind of transformation is common among CCIC participants. Students build confidence. They learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly. They practice teamwork under pressure—and they begin to see themselves not just as students—but as problem-solvers, innovators, future leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Holly Dahlstrom, a 2025 CCIC finalist team member relayed the competition’s impact on her future career. “The CCIC experience will shape my career journey as the first of many accomplishments along a much bigger path. I can now genuinely call myself an innovator, something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
From Ideas to Real-World Impact
CCIC ideas don’t stop when the competition ends. In fact, many are just getting started.
Winners of the 2024 CCIC from Perimeter College at Georgia State University developed a self-administered Pap test to improve comfort and access for patients. Since winning, they have launched Gorginea Care LLC, secured a provisional patent, and are actively developing and testing prototypes as they work toward building a business around their innovation.
Other students credit the CCIC experience with aiding in their continuing education and career growth—from obtaining internships, research opportunities, scholarships, and awards—to becoming entrepreneurs and starting a business.
Join the CCIC Idea Vetting Session on February 19
Are you wondering how to get started? Do you want to vet your idea before applying?
The CCIC Application Idea Vetting Session, taking place on February 19 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern, is designed for you. Hear from a former CCIC judge and a first-place winning student team member, get informal feedback on your idea, and learn what goes into a strong application. To register, click here.
This session is a low-pressure way to explore the competition and take the first step toward applying. In addition, be sure to visit the CCIC’s resource page to see standout innovations and to watch finalist team videos from the past three years.
Ready to Apply?
All CCIC team submissions are due April 3, 2026.
Your idea matters! The CCIC is your opportunity to turn curiosity into impact—and to demonstrate the power of community college student innovation.
To learn more and to apply, visit www.aaccinnovationchallenge.com.
Questions? Email: CCIC@aacc.nche.edu.
