This revamped competition, Youth Startup: Pitch Competition (formerly known as Miss Deaf America from 1972-2012 and then the Youth Ambassador Program from 2014-2022), offers aspiring deaf and hard of hearing leaders the chance to bring their vision to life and potentially win prize money! This pitch competition is open to deaf and hard of hearing youth, ages 18 to 30, within the deaf community and currently residing in the United States. Contestants will compete to present the best idea for a social issue, business idea, or startup concept. The prize money will be invested in the winning idea!
For #NAD2024, we are excited to announce our partnership with the Communication Service for the Deaf’s Social Venture Fund (CSD SVF), which offers a one-year mentorship program. This partnership provides ultimate workshops to prepare our contestants to present excellent content to the community during the Pitch Competition Finals.
During the competition, the contestants will:
- Attend a retreat prior the NAD Conference
- Participate at the NAD Conference
- Enhance presentation skills
- Engage in networking opportunities
- Develop teamwork and collaboration skills
- Transform into effective advocates
- Translate innovation into action
- Commit to making an impact on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing community
Information for #NAD2026 will be shared when it is ready!
The next competition will take place at #NAD2026 in San Francisco, California
Email [email protected] if you have questions!
Information for #NAD2026 will be shared when it is ready!
#NAD2024
