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CAVA Students Named Finalists in the 2026 K12 Innovation Challenge

Stories & Spotlights
K12 Innovation challenge

Big ideas are making a big impact, and California Virtual Academies (CAVA) students are leading the way! We’re proud to celebrate several talented students who have been named finalists in the 2026 K12 Innovation Challenge, a nationwide competition that invites middle and high school students to rethink the future of learning.

About the Innovation Challenge

The K12 Innovation Challenge empowers students to think big and share their ideas on a national stage. In Round 1, participants submitted short video pitches in one of three categories:

  • Tomorrow’s Classroom Reimagine how we learn.
  • Student Life Hacks Solve everyday school challenges.
  • Gamify It! Turn learning into a game.

In Round 2, semi-finalists developed full presentations and pitched their ideas live to a panel of judges in a virtual Zoom session.

Only 12 finalists were selected from across the country and invited to share their ideas in person in Round 3 — an exciting opportunity to sharpen their presentation skills and connect with peers and industry professionals.

Meet the CAVA Finalists

Student Life Hacks

These students tackled everyday school challenges with smart, practical solutions:

  • Elena, 6th grade
    The 3 Note Method
  • Alexis, 8th grade, teamed up with Leanna and Juliana, 8th graders from Isaac Newton Graham Middle School
    The Schedulizer

Gamify It!

These students turned learning into an engaging, interactive experience:

  • Malayia, 7th grade
    Skilloji: Where Students Learn Their Way
  • Namiya, 10th grade
    Life Skill Studio

What’s next?

Our finalists will take the stage on June 11, 2026, in Reston, Virginia, where they’ll present their ideas live to a panel of judges and compete for:

  • $500 per team member, with one winning team in each grade band (6–8 and 9–12)
  • A People’s Choice Award ($150 per team member)
  • Potential paid summer internships through Tallo1

Cheer them on — and cast your vote!

On the day of the competition, the community can get involved by voting for the People’s Choice Award. Voting opens in the morning on June 11, and anyone can cast one vote for their favorite presentation through the K12 Innovation Challenge website. Be sure to show your support for our CAVA finalists!

No matter the outcome, reaching the final round is an incredible achievement — and an experience these students won’t forget.

We’re so proud of our CAVA finalists for their creativity, hard work, and willingness to share their ideas with the world.

We’ll be cheering them on this June. Go CAVA!

1Internships may be conducted virtually or in person, at Tallo’s discretion. Participation in mentorship or internship programs is subject to availability and Tallo’s discretion, as applicable.

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