Colossal and Matthew McConaughey Put the Next Generation in the Spotlight with Teen of the Year

The just keep livin Foundation is the competition's named charity beneficiary, with funds granted through Action Initiative Team (AIT). One standout teen will win $20,000, a feature on Complex, and an in-person red-carpet movie premiere experience with McConaughey. 

PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Colossal, the nationally registered professional fundraiser that powers purpose-driven online competitions, is proud to announce that registration is open for Teen of the Year, a national competition spotlighting young people with stories to tell and ambitions to pursue. One teen will win $20,000, be featured on Complex, and walk the red carpet at a movie premiere with Matthew McConaughey.

Teen of the Year supports the just keep livin Foundation

Founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, the just keep livin Foundation empowers high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future. Its programs encourage students to make positive life choices that improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude, nutrition, and community service. Funds generated through Teen of the Year will result in a grant from Action Initiative Team (AIT) to the foundation at the end of the competition.

Big ambitions deserve an audience

From an aspiring filmmaker bringing a first script to life to a volunteer making a difference close to home, Teen of the Year invites young people to share what drives them. Whether their passion is art, athletics, entrepreneurship, or helping others, competitors can introduce themselves and rally their communities through a series of public voting rounds.

"Attention can open doors. What matters is what you do with it," said Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal. "With Teen of the Year, we're giving young people a platform to share their ambitions and bring their communities together, while generating support for the just keep livin Foundation. That connection between personal opportunity and charitable impact is what drives our business."

One teen will receive $20,000 and attend a movie premiere, walking the red carpet with McConaughey. The winner will also step into the world of Complex, the multimedia and entertainment company covering music, fashion, and pop culture, with a prize package that includes:

• A featured article: An opportunity to share their story with Complex readers.
• A dedicated site takeover: A spotlight on the Teen of the Year across Complex's platform.
• VIP access: Two VIP passes to 2027 ComplexCon and Family Style Food Fest.
• A collectible moment: Their own ESCO Trading Card alongside McConaughey.

Teen of the Year hosts

Social media personalities Nicole and Christian Laeno join Teen of the Year as special guests. With experiences spanning dance, music, and career pursuits, the siblings will share their journeys and offer encouragement to teens exploring where their interests can take them.

Ready for their moment?

Registration is free and open to eligible teens ages 13–19 in the United States and Canada, excluding Quebec. Parents or legal guardians must register teens ages 13–17; eligible individuals ages 18–19 may register themselves.

Trust & Safety

Colossal prioritizes participant privacy, secure data handling, and voting integrity, with safeguards in place for all participants and a dedicated human support team. Learn more at colossal.org/trust-safety.

To register and review eligibility requirements, the competition schedule, and prize details, visit teenoftheyr.org.

About Colossal

Colossal is a professional fundraiser redefining modern philanthropy through purpose-driven online competitions that raise money for charity. With a mission to inspire people to advocate for themselves and those in need, Colossal empowers individuals to pursue their passions, rally their communities, and compete for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, all while driving meaningful charitable impact where giving wins. This Colossal competition serves as a fundraising campaign for Action Initiative Team (AIT), a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which will grant donation funds to the just keep livin' Foundation at the completion of the competition. Since 2022, Colossal has raised over $256 million to support charity. Annual competitions include Baby of the Year, America's Favorite Pet, The People's Artist, Youth Athlete of the Year, and more. Learn more at colossal.org.

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SOURCE Colossal