social capital noun. the value of our social networks & relationships

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!

About the SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest

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!

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).

How YOU can Get Involved!

  • 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

2026 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest – Timeline

Image Logo for Boston Bridges Initiative

Presenting Sponsor | 2025 SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest

Founded in 2020, the Boston Bridges Initiative seeks to facilitate cultural exchange and promote meaningful social interaction between city and suburban families and within racially diverse communities in the Greater Boston Area.

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!

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.

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!