About The Cooney Center Prizes for Innovation

The goal of the Cooney Center Prizes for Innovation is to identify, inspire, nurture, and scale breakthrough ideas in children’s digital media and learning. The program will annually award cash prizes and provide ongoing business planning support and mentorship to a new generation of children’s media entrepreneurs and visionaries.

The Cooney Center Prizes program also includes the National STEM Video Game Challenge. The Challenge is part of the "Educate to Innovate" campaign, which was launched in November 2009 by President Obama to harness the excitement and educational potential of video games to advance STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The Cooney Center directs The Early Childhood STEM Video Game Challenge, which is supported by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Check back soon for more information.

Prize Categories

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center and Sesame Workshop are challenging innovators nationwide to submit applications in the following prize categories:

• Breakthroughs in Mobile Learning
  Applicants are invited to submit projects that push the current boundaries of mobile learning. The winner will receive $50,000 to put towards development of their project, as well as other supports that will help scale the project.
• Breakthroughs in Literacy Learning: Innovate with The Electric Company
  Applicants are invited to submit ideas for a digital media experience that will promote literacy learning among struggling readers using Sesame Workshop's revival of the iconic literacy show, The Electric Company. The winner will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to work with Sesame Workshop to turn their idea into a possible product that could reach children and families nationwide.

Types of Projects We Are Seeking

Project proposals must demonstrate significant potential in using digital media for children’s learning. We believe that good ideas come from anywhere, and the competition is open to adult innovators nationwide. While applicants must be American citizens, projects may also have the potential to reach and educate children in other countries. See Rules and Regulations for more details on eligibility, judging, scoring and submissions.

How to Apply

Applications for both the Mobile Learning and Literacy Learning prizes are now open for submission through the completion of an online proposal.

Finalist and Winner Selection

A distinguished jury and a multi-disciplinary expert review team will vet all eligible applications. Up to five finalists in each category will be invited to attend a high profile event held at E3 Expo where they will pitch their idea to industry and educational leaders. One winner will be selected in each category.