Pitch Competition Prep Program
A 10-week training incubator for teams of high school students preparing for competitive business pitch competitions.
Program overview
This program is a 10-week training incubator for teams of high school students gearing up for the world’s most competitive business pitch competitions.
You will leave the program with a complete submission package tailored to your target competition, including a fully developed business or social impact model, a polished pitch deck and application materials, and a well-refined, rehearsed video for submission.
What is included
- A professional and persuasive pitch deck
- A polished executive summary and written application materials
- A fully developed business or social impact model
- A scripted and rehearsed video pitch where applicable
- Competition strategy and mentor feedback
Everything you’ll master.Everythingyou’ll master.
Pitch Strategy
Storytelling
Venture Refinement
Pitch Deck Development
Competition Submission Prep
Built for teams gearing up for the world’s most competitive business pitch competitions.Built for teamspreparing for theworld’s most competitivebusiness pitch competitions.
The Diamond Challenge
A leading global competition for high school entrepreneurs. Teams develop innovative, viable ventures across business innovation and social-impact tracks.
Deadline: January 15th
Blue Ocean Competition
Students create a venture for a new market rather than compete in an existing one, then submit a five-minute video pitch focused on creativity and strategy.
Typical Deadline: February 22
Conrad Challenge
STEM-focused teams build a product or service addressing a real-world challenge across areas such as aerospace, cybersecurity, health and nutrition.
Typical Deadline: Jan. 8
Mentorship from a world-class network of young founders and industry leaders.World-classmentorshipfrom young foundersand industry leaders.
Students receive close guidance from mentors, startup founders and professionals with backgrounds across top universities and companies.
Our alumni go on to the world’s top universities.
A survey of 340+ alumni who applied to universities in 2022–23 showed that 20% of our alumni who applied to an Ivy League university or Stanford got in — 4× higher than the general rate of acceptance at these universities.
UC Berkeley17acceptances
Cornell15acceptances
UPenn9acceptances
Columbia8acceptances
Yale7acceptances
Stanford4acceptances“YFL guided us through building a startup from the ground up. We created an MVP and pitch, then continued developing the venture with support from our mentor.”“YFL helped us turn an idea into an MVP and pitch. With our mentor’s support, we kept developing the venture after the program.”
Aalia Deora“YFL gave me hands-on experience in the field I want to pursue. Working with an experienced mentor taught me how entrepreneurship and innovation work in practice.”“YFL gave me practical experience in the field I want to pursue and showed me how entrepreneurship and innovation work in the real world.”
Neha Bhalla“YFL was invaluable. I developed practical skills, met ambitious peers and loved building alongside my teammates throughout the program.”
Reeyaa Ajay“YFL was an amazing experience. I learned so much about starting a business and even got to launch one by the end!”
Ronak ChughQuestions, answered.
Where do students in the Pitch Competition Prep Program compete?+
Students in YFL’s Pitch Competition Prep Program often submit to competitions like the Diamond Challenge, Blue Ocean, or the Conrad Challenge. However, students may apply to any competition they wish, and the YFL team will customize their mentorship program to fit each competition’s requirements.
What is the time commitment?+
The time commitment is 8–10 hours per week.
How will I form a team in the group program?+
If you apply for the group program, you can either form your own team before joining or let us help you build a team with like-minded individuals.
Can I skip some days of the program?+
If you are in the individual format, you have the flexibility to adjust your meeting days based on other commitments.
In the group program, while you can watch recorded sessions if you miss one, we recommend attending all sessions, as the program is fast-paced and missing sessions may result in losing important insights.
When does the program take place?+
Check the program application dates on the main page.
Building a start-up is hard. That’s why we only take the best.
Fill out application formFill out application form
Share your motivation, interests and why YFL is a strong fit.
Admissions evaluation
Wait as the admissions team evaluates your application.
Interview with our team
Meet a senior member of the YFL team and talk through your goals.
Receive decision
The admissions team shares your outcome and next steps.
Begin your journey
Start building with your mentor, cohort or team.
Explore other YFL routes