PitchFest
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
