Team Applications Open for the 2027 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest!

Apply by the Priority Deadline on 11/9!

2027 Team Application

About the SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest

2027 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest - Program Overview by Nicole Osborne

The Youth Grant Pitch Contest provides youth with access to adult-mentoring relationships, financial support, and network-building for their own social impact projects, while bridging connections across communities 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 Boston Bridges Initiative, Winning Home, Inc., State Street Foundation, The Brooks & Joan Fortune Family Foundation, M&T Bank, Boston Children’s Hospital, Kick It For A Cause 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

2027 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!

Program Sponsorship Menu → get recognized for supporting young people making positive social impact!
Give Now! → every bit helps!

2027 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest – Timeline

September 2026 | Team + Volunteer Applications Open
November 2026 | Youth Team Application Deadlines (Priority 11/9; Final 11/25)
December 2026 | Youth Teams Accepted + Enrolled (12/16)
December 2026 | Volunteer Application Deadline (12/18)
January 2027 | Mandatory Team Onboarding + Orientations
January 2027 | Mandatory Volunteer Orientation (1/26)
February 2027 | 2027 Kickoff + Showcase Event (2/6)
February 2027 - April 2027 | Coaching Sessions (7 Sessions + 1 Pitch Rehearsal)
April 2027 | *PITCH EVENT & GRANTS AWARDED* (4/10, location TBA)
May 2027 - December 2027 | Youth Team Grantee Projects Implemented

“I loved the opportunity to meet so many people from such different backgrounds. Additionally my team and I had a great opportunity to connect with one another on a level we otherwise couldn't have.”

“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.”

"Through the many events [for the program], I have met so many wonderful people with such unique backgrounds who I hope to stay in touch with."

"[I became] more intentional about creating environments where young people are empowered to lead. Personally, it has deepened my belief in their ability to create meaningful change when given that responsibility."

“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.”

"I was able to build stronger connections with them by collaborating, listening to their ideas, and supporting them through the process. It was rewarding to see their excitement and growth."

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!