Teen Accelerate

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

Teen Accelerate invites Northeast Ohio students in grades 9–12 to share ideas for social ventures—businesses, programs, or initiatives that address a community need.

Presented by the Cleveland Leadership Center and Young Entrepreneur Institute, the program will select 10 student teams to pitch live at Accelerate 2027 in Downtown Cleveland for the chance to win up to $1,000.

Important Dates

• Apply by: January 5, 2027

• Finalists notified by: January 14, 2027

• Live pitches: Evening of February 25, 2027

Applications Are Now Open 

Prizes:

• The top winning team earns $1,000 to help launch or expand their idea.
• The runner-up team earns $500.
• 8 finalist teams will win $250.

Interested in competing?

Get ready to stand out in Teen Accelerate. Use our Social Venture 101 Guide to craft a strong application and deliver a winning pitch.

Access The Guide

If you have any questions regarding the Teen Accelerate competition, please email Marissa Wilson at mdwilson@us.edu.