Pitch Night Winners

Mirror Me, Inc.

Mirror Me’s mission is to tackle the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for girls ages 11-18 through targeted education, empowerment, and mentorship. Recent data from MDHHS revealing that 60% of Michigan youth are impacted by ACEs and that local suicide rates and feelings of hopelessness are alarmingly high. Mirror Me, Inc. addresses this issue through their innovative Crowned Curriculum and Group Mentoring Model which empowers young girls to recognize their self-worth, connect deeply with their community, and set clear paths for the future. Mirror Me’s own data shows the curriculum’s results are transformative: 100% of participants develop personal mission statements, 80% show strong growth in social-emotional skills, and attendance skyrockets as girls look forward to connecting with mentors. https://mirrormeinc.org/

Clean and Sober Support

Clean and Sober Support, is dedicated to creating vital opportunities for the recovery community and their families to connect in positive, substance-free settings. Over the course of the grant funding, Clean and Sober Support will host six events that offer food, entertainment, motivational speakers, and giveaways such as hygiene products—all within a safe and welcoming space. These events aim to bridge the gap between the recovery community and first responders by inviting Chief Eric Winstrom and other local officers to foster trust and relationship-building. With resources available to those navigating their recovery journey, these gatherings provide the supportive environment necessary for individuals to continue living healthy, crime-free lives. Clean and Sober Support is empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and create a safer, more connected community. https://www.cleanandsobersupport.com/

EpiKid Productions

EpiKid Productions aims to host a Youth Black Joy Summit, an inspiring event designed to support the mental health, wellness, and futures of Black youths and young adults. Divided into two key segments, the Summit will engage youths ages 12-17 in activities that focus on mental health, physical and creative outlets, and alternatives to violence, while young adults ages 18-24 will receive mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities. A keynote address will unite all participants, followed by age-specific breakout sessions led by local clinicians and mentors of color, where attendees can gain actionable skills and advice. With vendors, resources, and ongoing support, the Summit aims to uplift and affirm Black youths, fostering positive energy through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

NextGen Arts and Technology

NextGen Arts and Technology employs innovative programming that equips young people ages 12-24 with practical skills and alternatives to street life. Through hands-on workshops in job readiness, entrepreneurship, leadership training, and emotional intelligence, NextGen empowers youth to develop skills in areas like T-shirt business creation, AI tools, filmmaking, music production, and self-defense. NextGen also offers a unique glow-in-the-dark summer basketball showcase league that integrates life skills workshops and provides stipends for players who complete the program. A cornerstone of NextGen’s approach is the Streets Decoded initiative, which combines workshops and educational short films to help youth navigate and overcome the challenges of street culture. NextGen’s goal is to collaborate with its community partners, the SAFE Task Force, and the Grand Rapids Police Department, to address violence at its roots. Through mentorship, creative expression, and valuable life skills, NextGen works to create a supportive environment for youth to build purpose-driven lives and become future community leaders. https://hopegain.org/nextgen/

Jump Ahead L3C

Jump Ahad L3C’s Play Fuel Esports Academy provides 40-50 participants with hands-on training in game design, virtual content creation, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) monetization, creating pathways to economic empowerment and career growth in the gaming industry. Structured video game tournaments, career workshops, and a glow-in-the-dark summer basketball league provide constructive alternatives during high-risk hours after curfew, keeping them safe, engaged, and away from potentially harmful situations. Jump Ahead has partnered with the city of Grand Rapids and multiple GRPS schools to empower youths to build confidence with a proven track-record of establishing positive peer relationships and practical skills that deter delinquency and foster personal growth. https://thejumpedahead.com/