Offline Mode Scholarship Challenge
Offered by DoSomething.org and General Motors
About this scholarship
Offline Mode turns a road-safety commitment into a scholarship opportunity for young drivers and passengers. Participants pledge to keep their phones out of use whenever they are in a moving vehicle, opt into the scholarship track, and complete either a seven-day or 30-day distraction-free streak with SMS check-ins. A completed seven-day streak is eligible for a $500 award opportunity, while a 30-day streak is eligible for $1,500. After the streak, the participant submits an impact report explaining why the pledge mattered and what going offline meant personally. DoSomething’s scholarship rules are broadly accessible: entrants must be 13–25 and live in the United States, or be U.S. citizens living abroad. No GPA, traditional essay, recommendation, or school selection is required at entry. A mobile number is necessary because the program sends streak reminders, confirmations, and the submission link by text. If selected, funds go directly to an eligible post-high-school institution for charges such as tuition, classes, fees, room, or board, and may be held until the winner chooses a program. The current challenge deadline is August 31, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be between ages 13 and 25
- Live in the United States or be a U.S. citizen living abroad
- Take the official pledge to stay phone-free whenever in a moving vehicle
- Opt into scholarship reminders and provide a mobile number for SMS check-ins
- Complete a 7-day or 30-day distraction-free streak
- Submit the required impact report after completing the streak
- Finish the current opportunity by August 31, 2026