Youth Entrepreneurship Regional Pitch Competition Scaling

About this grant

This grant will support the Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI) at the University School in advancing the Mott Foundation’s Youth Leadership Initiative by expanding access to high-quality entrepreneurship education, leadership development and educator capacity-building in Flint and other target communities. Drawing on its 20-year track record of supporting K-12 educators and young people, YEI will: (1) provide educator training and professional development to strengthen the ability of teachers and youth-serving professionals to deliver effective entrepreneurship education; (2) build local and regional capacity to support sustainable youth entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly in Flint and other priority communities; (3) leverage its experience cultivating entrepreneurship ecosystems in Northeast Ohio and Northwest Arkansas to inform community-based strategies and partnerships; (4) expand youth engagement and leadership opportunities through entrepreneurship learning experiences, pitch challenges and innovation-focused activities; and (5) contribute to national field-building efforts by applying its expertise in K-12 entrepreneurship competitions and youth entrepreneurship programming. Through these efforts, YEI will help create stronger pathways for young people to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, leadership skills and real-world experiences while equipping educators and communities with the tools needed to sustain and scale youth entrepreneurship opportunities.