Every finalist team and its coach wins an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World®.

The Christopher Columbus Academy is an educational experience that reveals the science and technology behind the fun and magic of the Disney World theme parks.

The teams learn about physics in a behind-the-scenes look at Mission to Mars and Test Track. They learn from Disney's own engineers about ride design at Walt Disney World®.

"Our project was to turn this empty piece of land into a place where community members can come and perform science experiments, sit down and relax."

The media takes notice: "You've heard paper comes from trees, but, how about making paper that comes from grass? A team of 8th graders did just that..."

One team receives the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to help bring their idea to life in their community.

Coaches talk about the positive effects of the Christopher Columbus Awards on students.