PitchFest

College & Career Initiatives for K-8 Students

What is PitchFest?

A high-energy, Shark Tank-style event designed to spotlight innovative college and career-related programs and activities focused on K–8 kids. Youth-serving organizations are invited to pitch their most transformative approaches to a panel of stakeholders for real-time feedback, mentorship, and one-time funding opportunities.

The goal: spark early awareness, access, and excitement about future pathways — starting in elementary and middle school. This event encourages creativity, centers collaboration across sectors (schools, industry, nonprofits), and creates a powerful platform for youth-serving organizations shaping the next generation of leaders. It’s not just a pitch — it’s movement toward a future where every child can dream big and start early. 

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Youth-serving organizations that currently or would like to focus on college and career initiatives for youth in grades K–8. 
Teams must include at least one youth-serving organization. Partnership and collaboration with schools and industry partners are highly encouraged.  
Projects should aim to build career awareness and exploration, skills development, and/or college preparation for students in elementary and middle school.
Applications must focus on programs or activities that currently exist but could benefit from additional support to expand reach or impact.
Proposals must include the expected outcomes for students, schools, and communities and a plan for how success will be demonstrated by March 2026.
A concise budget overview that provides the following information. A budget template is available in the application:
• How your organization plans to utilize the award.
• How your budget aligns with your impact goals.
• Demonstrates that your organization is ready to execute on your proposal.

Application Deadline: July 13, 2025
PitchFest Date: September 3, 4, 5
- Location: IYI’s College & Career Readiness Regional Conferences in South Bend, Indianapolis, or Madison
- Three organizations will present on each day of the conference

1st Place Award: $20,000
2nd Place Award: $15,000
3rd Place Award: $10,000
Mentorship & strategic guidance from experts 
Networking opportunities with peers, potential partners, and funders 
Visibility & exposure to stakeholders across education, industry, and community sectors

Apply below by July 13, 2025

Indiana Youth Institute College and Career Pitch Application

STEP 1

Lead Contact Information

Please input your basic Contact information. If you have previously engaged with IYI, please use your full first and last name and email that you have used previously (if you recall) so we can match your data.

First Name

Last Name

Lead Organization

Organization Name

Please do not use abbreviations but the full name of your organization. If you are not associated with an Organization, input your "Last Name" Household. (e.g. Smith Household)

County (Office Location)

Indicate the county where the organization's main office is located.

NOTE: In the event that you receive an Error message upon submission, please contact Scott Schoberg (sschoberg@iyi.org) to resolve the issue. Please include a screenshot of the error message. There is no need to resubmit the form.

Contact Information