01 / The competition
Applications open
Applications closed
Built something?Win $1,000.
10 students each win $4,500 in Lumos tuition and $1,000 in cash.
02 / Projects you can enter
Enter any launched project.
It does not need a large audience or advanced technology. It only needs to be launched. Show us what you made and what you did.
Who can enter
Current high school students in grades 9–12.
You do not need coding or business experience. You can choose whether to enter the competition when you apply to Lumos Fellows for Fall 2026.
- 01Apps
- 02Nonprofits
- 03Clubs
- 04Campaigns
- 05Events
- 06Research
- 07Communities
- 08Creative projects
03 / What to submit
Share five things.
- 01
A short project story
In 150 words or less, explain what you built, your role, and the hardest problem you solved.
- 02
A one-minute video
Record a video that shows your project and explains what it does.
- 03
Project links
Share a link to your project or another place where we can see your work.
- 04
Results
Tell us what happened after you launched it. Add numbers if you have them.
- 05
What you did
Tell us which parts you started, led, designed, organized, or finished.
04 / How we choose winners
What we look for.
- 01
Your work
What you did and why
- 02
Getting started
How you made the idea real
- 03
Results
How your project helped
- 04
Problem-solving
How you used time and tools
- 05
Clear story
How clearly you explain it
05 / Key dates
Four dates to know.
- 01
Early deadline
Apply early before interviews.
- 02
Final deadline
Last day to apply.
- 03
Winners announced
We announce 10 winners.
- 04
Program starts
The Fall program starts.
06 / About and questions
Build and launch an app in six weeks.
Lumos Fellows is an online program for students. You build and launch an app with one-on-one help from a mentor.
Questions about the competition
- Who can enter?
- Current high school students in grades 9–12 can enter when they apply to Lumos Fellows for Fall 2026.
- What projects can I enter?
- You can enter any project you have launched. This includes an app, nonprofit, club, campaign, event, research project, community, publication, or creative project.
- Do I need coding experience?
- No. Your project does not need code or advanced technology. We look at what you did, how you solved problems, what changed, and how clearly you explain your work.
- What do winners get?
- Each of the 10 winners gets $4,500 in Lumos Fellows tuition and a $1,000 cash prize.
- How do I enter?
- Apply to Lumos Fellows for Fall 2026. Choose Yes when the application asks if you want to enter the Builder Competition. Apply by August 23, 2026.
Still have a question? Email help@lumosfellows.com.