The SCI Social Capital Inc. 2024 Youth Grant Pitch Contest (YGPC) is officially underway, featuring a record number of 12 youth teams from both the city of Boston and the Greater Boston area, including two from Dorchester: the Greater Love Tabernacle Youth Ministry from the Greater Love Tabernacle and the Mental Health Ambassadors & Pioneers from the Boston Project Ministries.

In total, approximately 100 youth involved in the 2024 YGPC want to support the mental health and well-being of the youth in their communities by developing a community-focused project. Though the emphasis will be on projects that support youth mental health initiatives, project ideas that support the community in other ways are welcome.

Also participating this year are 29 volunteer coaches who are professionals from a variety of local startups, companies, and nonprofits such as GATO, United Healthcare, Microsoft, Draft Kings, and The Network For Social Justice. Through six coaching sessions scheduled during February and March, these dedicated coaches have been guiding young people in the development of their community projects and pitches. 

The program will finish up on April 6, when SCI will host the in-person Pitch Event at the Microsoft NERD Center. Some $11,000 in grant funds will be awarded to at least seven of the participating youth groups.