Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 AMBITION ACCELERATOR SEMI-FINALISTS!

We are thrilled to announce the 26 semi-finalist teams of the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator! From using technology to tackle health inequality to creating new spaces for young people to lead, these 26 changemakers exemplify what we mean when we talk about bold ambition and fueling positive change. You can learn more about the semi-finalists and their projects here.

This win is just the beginning of their journey - they have each won $1,000 towards advancing their projects and will have the chance to attend the Ambition Accelerator Summit in November, where they will further hone their ideas, build their leadership skills, and connect with other young changemakers.

You can read about all 220 of our inaugural recipients each receiving $500 to fuel their transformative projects and ideas on our interactive map, here!

Learn More About the Semi-Finalists Check Out Our Interactive Map

226

Innovators will receive a $500 cash prize as an investment in their bold idea.

Teams will have the opportunity to participate in the Ambition Accelerator Summit.

$200,000+

Amount of cash prizes for supporting changemakers and their solutions.

Looking for Tips on Team-Building?

We believe that team-building and collaborative leadership are essential components of changemaking.

Use our team-building toolkit below to create a customized recruitment plan that will help you find your dream team! Inside you'll find tips on how to identify a teammate, develop a recruitment pitch, establish team roles, and more. You can also check out our companion team-building video for more information on how to build a collaborative environment and hone your elevator pitch.

Build Your Dream Team! Hear From Other Young People

What is the Ambition Accelerator?

We know that today’s young people are determined to impact the world for the better. But those brave enough to pursue social impact often come up against major barriers — from lack of skills and social connections to limited financial savvy and funds.

To help young changemakers across all communities overcome these barriers, we are launching the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator, a new program where they will grow their changemaking abilities, access funding, receive mentorship, and join a community of like-minded individuals.

Nominate Someone for the Future!

Why the Ambition Accelerator?

A motivated young person with a good idea can change the world, and when a young person realizes their power as a changemaker, the resulting ripple effect can change mindsets and even institutions. Our goal is to inspire a society that recognizes the power of everyone to transform the world for the better.

We aim to power the bold ambitions of the next generation as they disrupt broken systems and pursue positive change, supporting and championing young innovators to be the leaders of today.

Prizes and Benefits for Young Innovators:

6 Early Entry Prizes

Taco Bell and Ashoka will select six outstanding teams from all eligible applicants that apply by June 1, 2022, for a cash prize of $500. Additionally, all entries submitted by the early entry deadline will receive feedback to improve their application before the final deadline of July 21, 2022.

220 Quarter Finalists

226 young innovators will receive a $500 cash prize as an investment in their idea to positively change their communities. This is also an opportunity to receive additional feedback on their projects from Ashoka Staff and Taco Bell employees.

25 Semi-Finalists

25 teams will receive $1,000 Cash Prize and will have the opportunity to participate in the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Summit, featuring skills-building workshops and networking events, fostering connections with young changemakers from across the United States and its territories.

4 Finalists

In addition to attending the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Summit, 4 teams will receive a $10,000 additional cash prize and formal recognition of their contributions to the broader movement on the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator website and social media platforms.

1 Grand Finalist

In addition to attending the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Summit, one team will receive a $25,000 additional Grand Prize and formal recognition of their contributions to the broader movement on the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator website and social media platforms.

Ambition Accelerator Timeline

Challenge Timeline

May 3, 2022

Launch Day!

Apply Online

By applying to the Ambition Accelerator, this is the chance to grow your changemaking abilities, access funding, receive feedback on your project, discover a community of like-minded young people, and more!

June 1, 2022

Early Entry Deadline

Apply Online

Ambition Accelerator Early Entry Prize: Taco Bell and Ashoka will select 6 outstanding teams from those that apply by June 1, 2022 (11:59 PM EST), for a cash prize of $500.

Additionally, all entries submitted by the early entry deadline will receive feedback to improve their application before the final deadline of July 21, 2022 (11:59 PM EST). Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered for an early entry award if they apply by the early entry deadline.

July 21, 2022

Application Deadline

Apply Online

From now to July 21st, applicants will get the chance to submit their ideas, receive feedback on their projects, learn new tools for making social impact, and network with other youth applicants.

25 selected teams will win a trip to participate at the Summit, to be hosted in November at Taco Bell Headquarters.
Five teams will have the opportunity to pitch their project idea, and four of these teams will receive $10,000.
One winning team will receive a grand prize of $25,000 in funding.

July & August 2022

Review Period

Online

Expert reviewers from Ashoka and Taco Bell will offer feedback on all submitted ideas to support every applicant in their changemaker journey.

TBD

Winners Annoucement

Online

We will announce the 226 young innovators who will be awarded funding for their ideas and the 25 teams who will be invited to Taco Bell Headquarters for the Amibiton Accelerator Summit.

November 1-5, 2022

Ambition Accelerator Summit

Irvine, California

Paid Participation in the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Summit* featuring skills-building workshops and networking events, fostering connections with young changemakers from across the United States and its territories.

*Subject to change based on CDC COVID-19 safety recommendations

Powered by the Taco Bell Foundation

The Taco Bell Foundation breaks down barriers to educate and inspire the next generation of America’s leaders. Over two decades, the Taco Bell Foundation has activated the potential of its Live Más scholars, changemakers who are pursuing their passions through education and community. The Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 5 million young people across the country and awarded $130 million in grants and scholarships focused on education and career readiness.

Learn More