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 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.
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