Call for
Accelerate STEAM Education: The 2025 GM Challenge
About Organisation
General Motors (GM), a global leader in automotive innovation, is shaping the future of mobility with its strong focus on advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. With the industry’s broadest range of electric vehicles and a commitment to driving progress in transportation, GM also champions education as a cornerstone of progress. The company is deeply invested in advancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Through initiatives that foster inclusivity, innovation, and equal opportunities, GM empowers individuals to thrive in careers that contribute to both industry and society. In collaboration with MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, GM is expanding its mission to support changemakers. MIT Solve operates as a global platform for open innovation, hosting challenges that address pressing issues worldwide. By connecting innovators with resources, networks, and strategic support, MIT Solve helps impactful ideas scale to greater heights. Together, GM and MIT Solve are bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness, driving forward transformative solutions in STEAM education that will inspire learners, nurture future innovators, and strengthen communities across the United States.
About the Grant
The “Accelerate STEAM Education: The 2025 GM Challenge,” launched by General Motors and MIT Solve, is designed to identify and support innovative solutions that expand access to STEAM education in the United States. With STEAM careers projected to grow at twice the pace of non-STEAM jobs and offering median earnings above $86,000, this initiative addresses a critical need to ensure equitable pathways for learners. The challenge seeks solutions that enhance interdisciplinary skills, prepare students for diverse careers, ensure inclusivity, and inspire the next generation of problem solvers. Selected applicants will benefit not only from financial support but also from mentorship, coaching, and exposure to networks that can amplify their impact. Up to five winning solutions will share a prize pool of $250,000 and participate in a six-month support program featuring workshops, coaching, and cohort collaboration. The challenge is structured into three phases: sourcing, selecting, and supporting solutions, with finalists pitching virtually before winners are chosen. Beyond funding, winners gain access to General Motors’ network and MIT Solve’s innovation ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability and visibility for their projects. Importantly, applicants retain intellectual property rights, ensuring ownership while fostering collaboration and transparency.
Who can Apply?
The challenge welcomes applications from individuals, teams, nonprofits, startups, academic institutions, and community organizations across the United States that are dedicated to transforming STEAM education. Applicants should present solutions that align with the challenge’s objectives of expanding access, promoting diversity and inclusion, building interdisciplinary skills, and strengthening pathways to STEAM careers. Solutions must demonstrate feasibility, innovation, human-centered design, and the potential to scale effectively. Submissions should also reflect the applicant’s authentic voice, passion, and a well-developed plan rather than relying solely on generative AI or generic content. The review process will consider alignment with the challenge goals, the solution’s impact potential, and its capacity to benefit from MIT Solve’s community and General Motors’ support. Applicants retain ownership of their ideas and intellectual property, though submissions must be shared under a Creative Commons license for accessibility and collaboration. Ten to twelve finalists will be selected after rigorous screening, and from these, up to five winners will be chosen. The opportunity is ideal for changemakers who are committed to driving equity and innovation in STEAM education and workforce development.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their solutions through the challenge platform before the deadline. Submissions should highlight alignment with goals, feasibility, innovation, scalability, and impact potential, ensuring clarity, originality, and authenticity.
Application Deadline
The submission deadline for the challenge is October 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Late applications will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
Applicants must complete their submissions by October 8, 2025, ensuring all details are accurate and authentic.
Grant Amount
Up to five winners will share a total prize pool of $250,000, along with six months of tailored mentorship and support.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
