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.

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Teen Accelerate:
Student Citizens Make Change

We are excited to partner with Cleveland Leadership Center for the Accelerate competition where students in grades 9-12 can compete in Teen Accelerate: Student Citizens Make Change.

Applications for 2027 will open in November.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners: 

  • 1st Place: Teen Hustle: Benjamin Scott Petrus from  Saint Ignatius
  • 2nd Place:  Sensory Safe Cuts: Isaiah Bady from Shaker Heights High School

Congratulations to the 2026 finalists: 

  • 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

  • Light of Love: Priyasha Ghosal from Hawken Upper School

  • Second Serving: Ananya Rao from Hathaway Brown School

  • NextGen Creators Initiative: Joshua M. Gary from Richmond Heights High School

  • Sustainable Socks: Lucile Hoffer from Laurel School

  • Learn Fellow LLC:Luke Rapaka from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

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