The Beyond the Flow Challenge
Beyond the Flow Challenge: June 2025 Edition
Not every path is linear. Not every talent is traditional. And not every story fits the mold.
The Beyond the Flow Challenge honors bold storytellers who have taken a nontraditional path–or witnessed someone close to them to do so–and turned it into impact.
We’re calling all storytellers across the U.S.A to share an authentic, true story about how you (or someone you know) used a unique background or niche skill to thrive in unexpected ways.
Using short form video(s), tell us what your (or someone you know) non-traditional background or niche skill is using effective storytelling. Beyond the Flow won’t place too many limitations on what that storytelling looks like! (See our Terms and Conditions for a full list of details) We want your video(s) to be personal and creative. We’re only accepting the first 100 eligible submissions, so hurry for YOUR chance to win!
Prizes
Winner: $150 cash prize distributed via PayPal or Zelle
Two Honorable Mentions: $25 each
Winning entries will be featured on the Beyond the Flow website and social media channels. Some may be invited to collaborate on future campaigns, brand partnerships, or content initiatives.
Your submission can take the form of:
- A single video (up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds)
- A series of short-form reels (totaling no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds)
- Either animated or live action content will be accepted.
Examples of what we’re looking for: First-generation students or immigrants, creative or niche talents (like music, debate, art, carpentry, coding, etc.), people who found purpose after dropping out, changing careers, or taking an unexpected route, family members or friends who defy expectations
Contest Timeline
The Beyond the Flow Challenge is a monthly skill-based competition, meaning you have multiple chances to win the grand prize.
- Submission Period: Opens July 1, 2025 and closes July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST or once we reach 100 submissions. Whichever comes first.
Prize Announcements
- Winners Announced: September 1, 2025
- Winners will be contacted directly with next steps after the announcement.
How to Enter
Access to the contest is included as part of our $7 monthly membership, which provides:
- One creative workshop and/or guide per month (live or on-demand)
- Access to our exclusive Discord community
- Contest entry privileges
To be eligible for judging, participants must:
- Submit their video(s) through our official entry form
- Tag @gobeyondtheflow or use the #hashtag #gobeyondtheflow on the platform(s) where the content is posted (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts)*
- Submit their entry by signing up for our $7 Premium membership below.**
*This step is only required for participants who share their videos on social media prior to Beyond the Flow making a decision on content. Entries submitted on social media without a membership will not be considered.
**In alignment with Beyond the Flow’s mission to uplift underrepresented individuals, each contest cycle includes up to five (5) no-cost scholarships for eligible applicants with demonstrated interest or need. See our terms and conditions for details on how to apply.
Member Perks
Basic Membership (No Cost!)
- Access to our Discord Community Space
- Previews of contest entries
Premium Membership ($7/month)
- Everything in the Basic Membership
- Contest Entry Access
- A monthly exclusive workshop or guide
- Exclusive access to future events and trainings
Eligibility & Requirements
- Open to U.S. residents age 18 and older
- Submissions must be age-appropriate and original.
- All entries must relate to the mission of Beyond the Flow and be an authentic story.
- Content must not exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds in total
Judging Criteria
All submissions by the staff at Beyond the Flow based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and originality
- Storytelling clarity and structure
- Engagement and impact
- Production quality*
*Note: High-budget production is not required–authentic, clear content is valued.
