Frequently Asked Questions

I want to schedule an information session for my program/class/school – who should I contact?  

We would love to partner and host an information session, office hours, or support session. Reach out to us at [email protected] to coordinate with our outreach team.  

Do I have to be a US citizen? Are international students studying in the United States eligible to apply?   

All applicants must be located in the United States or a US Territory when they apply, but US citizenship is not an eligibility requirement. International students studying in the United States are eligible for the Accelerator.  

Can Taco Bell employees apply?  

Taco Bell Restaurant corporate and franchise restaurants team members ARE eligible to apply to the Ambition Accelerator.  

Is it okay if I have teammates outside of the age range?   

All applicants must be within the specified age range (16-26) at the time of the application deadline (July 21). You may have additional teammates outside this age range, but they will not be allowed to attend the Taco Bell Ambition Accelerator Summit.  

I won one of Ashoka's other youth Challenges. Am I eligible to apply?   

Yes! Winners of other Ashoka youth Challenges who fall within the age range are welcome and encouraged to apply.  

Is the  Summit in person? When is it?   

We are currently planning for an in-person event in the Great Los Angeles Area, CA, in November 2022. If necessary, we will adjust the Summit dates or transition to a virtual event in order to keep everyone safe. Vaccination will be required to attend. We're working really hard to create an amazing and safe experience for everyone involved!  

I can't make the dates for the  Summit. Can I still apply?   

Yes, as long as someone else from your team can attend the Summit in your place.  

Do I need to have a pre-existing project in order to apply?   

Nope! Brand new ideas are welcome. You can have an idea for a project and not have started yet. You can also be in the preparation phase, assembling a team and strategizing to put your idea into action. Or your project could already be set in motion and looking to scale! We are accepting applications for projects and ideas at any stage.   

What if I don’t have a team member?  

You don't need to have a team member to apply to the Accelerator, but you will need a team member if you want to eligible to attend the Summit or win one of the $1,000+ awards. Want to form a team, but don't know how to start? Reach out to our team at [email protected] or text “Ambition” to (571)-622-1066. We are committed to assisting you in developing a team if you are selected to attend the Summit.  

What if my teammate and I live in different states? Can we still apply?   

Yes! Your teammate just needs to be between the ages of 16-26 and live in the United States or a US Territory.   

Do my team members also have to apply, or do we submit just one application?   

If you are applying with the same idea or project with a team member, you just need to submit one application. However, only one team member needs to submit the application on your team’s behalf.  

Can my team members edit my entry on the platform?    

No. The platform does not currently allow multiple people to edit the same entry.  

Who do the diversity questions refer to?   

The diversity questions refer to the primary representative of your project. These questions are optional and are meant to help us continue to improve our diversity efforts.  

What is an early entry deadline? If I don’t apply early entry, can I still apply later?  

The early entry deadline is June 1, 2022 (11:59 PM EST). Applying early entry is an opportunity to get personalized feedback on your project and revise your application before the final deadline of July 21, 2022 (11:59 PM EST). Additionally, 6 stand-out early entry applications will be chosen to receive $500 each. Applying early entry is not mandatory, and you can submit your application all the way up to the final deadline!  

I won the early entry prize. Does this mean that I'm guaranteed a spot at the Summit?  

Winning the early entry prize does not guarantee you a spot at the Summit. But it does mean that you get $500 in seed funding to support your project and feedback to improve your application!  

Do I have to be a Taco Bell customer to apply to this challenge?   

Nope. Anyone ages 16-26 in the United States or US Territories are welcome to apply.  

Who should I include as my project references? Do my references need to be Taco Bell employees?   

References should be adults who know you well and are familiar with your idea or project. They do not need to be Taco Bell employees. If you are under 18 years of age, at least one of your references should be a parent or guardian. Teachers and mentors can also be great references. Just be sure to ask them if they’re willing to be a reference before including their contact information so that they’re not surprised if we contact them!  

My YouTube video is low resolution. What should I do?   

When uploading to YouTube, a low-resolution video is uploaded first. The resolution will improve, but it usually takes a few hours to do so. Be patient! Regardless, you won’t be penalized for the production quality of your video.  

I am nervous to upload a video! How professional does it need to be?   

Don’t overthink it! You can talk on your phone and computer like normal. You can also add photos or videos related to your project as you talk. We just want to hear your passion and excitement for your solution!  

How can I see the other ideas that have been submitted?   

You need to be registered to see all of the ideas, but some of the ideas will be featured on the community page, which you can view here. 

How do I edit my application after I submit it?  

To edit your idea after submission, you need to find it on the platform. To quickly find your idea, click on the Ideas tab (next to the Overview tab) and click the filter option "My Ideas" (next to the search bar). Your published idea will be filtered so you can click on it. Once you click on it, a blue banner will show up and invite you to edit the application.

I am having trouble applying online OR I don’t have consistent access to the internet to update and edit my application.

What should I do? No problem! Reach out to our team at [email protected] and we will get back to you with an alternative way to apply.

I’m having a technical issue while signing up or with my application – who should I contact?  

Have a question about the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator or your application? Reach out to us at [email protected], text us at (571)-622-1066, or message us on Instagram. 

I have more questions – who should I contact?  

Need help with your application? Reach out to us at [email protected], text us at (571)-622-1066, or message us on Instagram.