At Showing Hearts, we've always believed that "Together We Can Change The World." And every year, the Youthpreneur Summit is where we see that belief walk through the doors at York College — backpacks, business cards, and big ideas in tow.
On **Saturday, April 25, 2026**, we're back at **York College (94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Queens)** from **10:30 AM – 4:00 PM** for **Youthpreneur Summit 2026: Idea to Impact**. It's free, it's for everyone ages **12–22**, and yes — breakfast and lunch are on us.
## Career Day, Pitch Competition, and Community — All in One Room
The Youthpreneur Summit has grown into something you can't really put in one box. It's part career day, part pitch competition, part family reunion for a community that's been investing in young people in Southeast Queens for a decade. This year, we're leaning into that fully.
Expect:
- **Industry expert speakers** on the real ups and downs of entrepreneurship — the late nights, the first "no," and the lessons nobody teaches you in class.
- **Career & startup readiness** workshops built for students stepping into their first jobs, first internships, or first launch.
- **Financial literacy** grounded in what actually matters at 16, 19, and 22.
- **Digital & creator economy** sessions for the students already building audiences, brands, and side hustles on their phones.
- And so much more — mentors, connections, and the kind of room where a 14-year-old with an idea gets taken seriously.
## Got an Idea? Pitch It. Up to $10,000 in Cash Prizes.
The centerpiece of the day is our pitch competition, with a share of up to **$10,000 in cash prizes** going to the finalists who take the stage at York College. Last year we met young founders like Ashrakat, who scaled her crochet business worldwide, and Ammar, whose AI language-learning robot "Jabbo" had the room on its feet. This year, we want to meet you.
**How to enter:**
1. Submit a **2–3 minute pitch video** of your idea — a business, a project, a passion, a big swing.
2. Fill out the short application.
3. Finalists will be notified ahead of time and invited to pitch live at the Summit.
⏰ **The deadline to apply is Friday, April 18, 2026.** No perfection needed — just creativity, passion, and effort. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/yppitch
## A Community Effort
None of this happens without the village. Youthpreneur Summit 2026 is presented by the **Showing Hearts Foundation** in partnership with **Youthpreneur**, and supported by an incredible group of elected officials who show up for our young people every year: **Congressman Gregory Meeks, NYS Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Council Member Ty Hankerson, and Council Member Rita Joseph.**
Huge thanks as well to our sponsors and partners — **Resorts World New York City, First American International Bank, SQPA, foy,** and the many organizations making this possible. When a community decides to bet on its young people, this is what it looks like.
## Join the Movement
Whether you're 14 with a notebook full of ideas, 22 with a prototype on your laptop, or an adult who wants to mentor, volunteer, or sponsor the next generation — there's a place for you at Youthpreneur Summit 2026.
**RSVP (free):** youthprenuersummit2026.eventbrite.com
**Pitch submissions (deadline April 18):** https://tinyurl.com/yppitch
**Follow along:** @showingheartsnyc
We'll see you April 25.
#ItsBecauseWeCare
