Oct. 4, Aspire to Pitch! Teen Innovation Challenge & Pitch Event

Description

Join us for Aspire to Pitch! A Teen Innovation Challenge and Pitch Event, a dynamic youth pitch event hosted by Aspiring Youth Academy at the prestigious Phoenix Country Club on October 4.

This event invites bold, creative teens ages 13–18 to pitch their innovative business or social impact ideas to our esteemed Innovator Circle Judges—a panel of local entrepreneurs, leaders, and “sharks.”

It’s more than just a pitch—it's a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers to aspire, innovate, and lead.

🏆 What’s at Stake

1st Place: $2,000

2nd Place: $1,000

3rd Place: $500

🎙️ Bonus Opportunity

Winners will receive free coaching and practice in podcasting, along with the opportunity to be featured on AspireCast, the official podcast of Aspiring Youth Academy. This platform will help them amplify their voices, build communication skills, and share their entrepreneurial journey with the community.

📸 Plus

All participants will receive complimentary professional headshots to elevate their personal brand—ideal for LinkedIn profiles, applications, and future opportunities.

👥 Mentorship Opportunity

All participants will also be eligible to be matched with a professional entrepreneur through a 1-year mentorship program, meeting once a month to receive real-world guidance, support, and networking opportunities. This program is designed to help teens take their ideas beyond the pitch and bring their vision to life through the power of community support.

🚀 Pre-Event Support: Weekly Challenges + Guidance

Upon enrolling, participants will receive a series of weekly challenges and guided activities leading up to the pitch event. These challenges are developed in partnership with the ASU Innovation Hub curriculum, giving teens a solid foundation in entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills—all designed to help them succeed on pitch day.

🕒 Event Schedule

11:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks

11:15 AM – Pitch Presentations

12:00 PM – Break + Lunch Provided

12:30 PM – Awards Ceremony

1:00 PM – Event Concludes

📏 Pitch Guidelines

To participate, each teen should prepare the following:

• A 2–3 minute pitch presenting:
• The problem they’re solving
• Their innovative idea or solution
• Who it benefits and why it matters
• How they would use the prize funding
• A short bio (3–4 sentences) that includes:
• Their name and school
• Their interests or passion
• A fun fact or personal motivation
• Visual aids (slides, posters, or props) are welcome but not required
• Be ready for a brief Q&A with the judges following your pitch

🙌 Open to All Teens Ages 13–18

Got a bold idea? A passion for innovation?

Register today to take the stage, share your vision, and step into your power as a young changemaker.

Questions? Contact:

Ashley Woodburn, Program Manager

ashley@aspiringyouth.org

In-Person Instruction

Cost - Free