Started in 2023, in conjunction with Cleveland Leadership Center’s Accelerate competition, YEI created a high school version called Teen Accelerate: Student Citizens Make Change. This pitch competition gives high school students across Greater Cleveland the opportunity to pitch their ideas to make the region a better place.
Teen Accelerate:
Student Citizens Make Change
We are excited to once again partner with Cleveland Leadership Center for the 2026 Accelerate competition. Students in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to participate in Teen Accelerate: Student Citizens Make Change.
Applications are now closed.
Congratulations to our presenting finalists:
- NextGen Creators Initiative: Joshua M. Gary from Richmond Heights High School
- Light of Love: Priyasha Ghosal from Hawken Upper School
- R.I.S.E (Reentry Inspiring Systemic Equality) Initiative: Hannah Rosenfeld from Laurel School
- Heavy Hugs: Brett David Jankowski, David Wadley and Talon from Howard Hoover High School
- YouthServeCCIS: Charlie Martin & Jack Nelson from University School
- Sensory Safe Cuts: Isaiah Bady from Shaker Heights High School
- Homeless Harvest: Ananya Rao from Hathaway Brown School
- Teen Hustle: Benjamin Scott Petrus from Saint Ignatius
- Sustainable Socks: Lucile Hoffer from Laurel School
- Learn Fellow LLC:Luke Rapaka from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Get ready to stand out in Teen Accelerate. Use our Social Venture 101 Guideto craft a strong application and deliver a winning pitch.
Access The Guide
Ten finalist teams will be selected and announced via email. If you are selected as a finalist you will be connected with a coach to help you prepare for the Accelerate event on the evening of February 26, 2026.
Prizes:
- The top winning team will earn $1,000 to help launch or expand their idea.
- The runner-up team earns $500.
- 8 finalist teams will win $250.
Finalists must pitch at Accelerate on the evening of February 26 to receive their reward.
If you have any questions regarding the Teen Accelerate competition, please email Marissa Wilson at mdwilson@us.edu.
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