Addressing the critical need for development and enrichment in underserved communities, this competition equips high school students with essential community development skills. By participating, they gain the chance to express their vision for change, fostering a brighter tomorrow for their communities.

Engaging in this competition cultivates a range of skills that will prove invaluable in their future endeavors. Participants are required to demonstrate qualities such as independence, creativity, determination, business acumen, community spirit, and effective communication. They will take their ideas from inception to a fully developed pitch deck, presenting them to a panel of judges.

These newly acquired skills not only empower students to chase their dreams but also boost their self-confidence. The competition aims to ignite a lasting passion for community development and the nonprofit sector among its participants.

Beyond the prospect of winning a scholarship, the experience of competing in this event can significantly enhance a college application, providing a competitive edge regardless of the final outcome.

Eligible applicants must be a current high school junior or senior attending a school in a historically underserved neighborhood within Southern Dallas at the time of submission.

Applicants must choose from one of the three high demand industry pathways: Technology, Education, or Social Innovation. The competition comprises two stages—a video submission round and a final in-person pitch round.

Registration opens Thursday, September 10th, with initial video submissions due by Friday, January 8th. Finalists will be announced on Friday, January 15th, and will advance to the live pitch event scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2027.

Initial submissions must include a 3-5 minute video and a completed application form. Selected finalists will be paired with mentors to develop a comprehensive business plan and pitch deck, due by Wednesday, March 28, 2027. These finalists will present their plans and pitches in a live competition in the Dallas area on Saturday, April 3, 2027.

Eligible applicants must be a current high school junior or senior attending a school in a historically underserved neighborhood within Southern Dallas at the time of submission.

The M.A.D. Pitch Competition awards scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding ideas and presentations. Scholarships are intended to support higher education and may only be used for qualified educational expenses at an accredited college, university, or vocational/trade school. They are not intended to fully fund a student’s business or community impact project.

Participants are required to demonstrate qualities such as independence, creativity, determination, business acumen, community spirit, and effective communication.

Core Placement Scholarships ($17,500 Total)

* First Place: $10,000

* Second Place: $5,000

* Third Place: $2,500

Special Recognition Scholarships ($1,000–$3,000) - eligible to any participating finalist

Additional scholarships may be awarded for:

* Exceptional Growth

* Most Creative Presentation

* Audience Choice

• Participants must submit a 3-5 minute pitch video addressing the question: "How would you currently use technology, education, or social innovation to make a difference in your community?"

• Submission of an application form by the specified deadline is mandatory to be considered for scholarship awards. Confirmation of submission will be communicated via email by the sponsoring organization.

• Eligible applicants must be a current high school junior or senior attending a school in a historically underserved community within the DFW metroplex at the time of submission.

• Award recipients must provide proof of enrollment in college or trade school within one year of high school graduation to receive the scholarship award.

• Annual Service Requirement: M.A.D. Pitch Award recipients must complete the required annual volunteer service hours with Toast for Charity during each year they receive scholarship funding to remain eligible for continued funding.