SCI will be seeking 15 youth teams passionate about supporting their community and peers for the 2026 Youth Grant Pitch Contest!

Application Opens October 2025!

2025 Youth Team Application

About the SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest

2026 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest - Program Overview [v.10.29.25] by Nicole Osborne

The SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest provides youth with access to adult-mentoring relationships, financial, and network-building resources, while intentionally cultivating connections across socioeconomic barriers in Greater Boston.

Participating youth teams develop their project ideas through in-depth coaching with local professionals, before pitching their project to a live panel of judges at the culminating Pitch Event with an opportunity to receive $1,000-$2,000 in grant funding!

Monetary Resources & Mentorship to execute their visions for strengthening their communities
Development of Career Skills such as public speaking, project management and team collaboration
Bridging Community Connections to like-minded peers & professionals across the region that helps grow their social capital

SCI’s Youth Grant Pitch Contest is open to youth teams with members in grades 9 through 12, who are based in Greater Boston communities (within Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk & Suffolk counties).

Thank you to our Supporters!

The 2026 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest is made possible by the generous support of Winning Home, Inc., State Street Foundation, M&T Bank, Boston Children’s Hospital, and a Massachusetts state budget line item (thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Cindy Friedman). Major support for SCI’s youth programs is provided by Cummings Properties.

How YOU can Get Involved!

Youth Team Information

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Application → SIGN UP TODAY!
- Pitch Coach: Need up to 30 volunteers to provide strengths-based strategic guidance and motivational support to Youth Teams in the areas of pitch development and public speaking.
Volunteer Interest Form

Sponsor or Donate Today!

Give Now! → every bit helps!
Sponsor Benefits Menu → get recognized for supporting young people making positive social impact!
Support the Pitch Contest with a sponsorship or donation online by clicking here!

2026 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest – Timeline

September 2025 | Volunteer Application Open
October 2025 | Youth Team Application Open
November 2025 | Youth Teams Accepted and Matched with Coaches
January 2026 | Orientations
February 2026 | Kickoff
February 2026 - April 2026 | Coaching Sessions (7 Sessions + 1 Pitch Rehearsal)
April 2026 | *PITCH EVENT & GRANTS AWARDED* (location TBA)
May 2026 - December 2026 | Youth Team Grantee Projects Implemented

The 2025 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest was supported by Boston Bridges Initiative, M&T Bank, Winning Home Inc., Kick It For a Cause, Gail O’Rourke, Benefact4, the AmeriCorps Agency, Massachusetts Service Alliance, and a Massachusetts state budget line item (thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Cindy Friedman). Major support for SCI’s youth programs is provided by Cummings Properties.

Learn more about how you can support the program today!

“I feel like I gained more confidence in networking with people that I’ve never met and older people as well.”

“The Pitch event was amazing, and I think that was the moment when it clicked for the kids in many ways. They were so happy to receive a prize, and I think it truly showed them they can accomplish big things!! Hopefully a great precursor for life ahead.”

“My public speaking skills improved, before I would rush through my words because I was nervous. Now, I have learned more self control so I can clearly articulate my thinking in a way that everyone can understand what I am saying.”

“I enjoyed interacting with the Coaches and seeing the youth grow as peer leaders. At the end, my favorite part was listening and watching the various Youth Pitch.”

“I felt more empowered to think creatively and not limit myself. The support of the YGPC was a huge factor in enabling us to feel confident about creating a bigger and more impactful project.”

“It was inspiring to see the kids’ passion and hard work and to see how meaningful the contest was to them.”

The SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest is more than your typical funding competition

…it’s a launchpad for youth empowerment, skill-building, community impact and life-changing connections.

Skill Enhancement: Youth participants gain valuable experience in budgeting, project management, and public speaking—skills essential for both project success and future career opportunities.
Leadership Development: Teams tackle real-world issues facing their communities, developing critical leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Community Impact: By addressing the needs of their peers and communities, youth-led projects help foster resilience and meaningful change.
Bridge Building: Participants gain connections and networking opportunities with peers & working professionals, opening pathways for continued mentorship and relationship building.

Youth not only enhance key skills but also gain self-confidence and cultivate authentic relationships with peers and adult mentors from a range of industries. Likewise, Volunteers and Advisors get to support the next generation of change-makers while expanding their own personal and professional networks!