One good idea could change the world！
Hosted by the MHG Charitable Foundation, the “From Idea to Impact” youth pitch contest featured eight students presenting bold ideas—from vulnerable youth support and educational access to AI mentor matching, community cleanup, and STEM volunteer platforms—showcasing sharp insight and a drive to make a difference.
Funding Launched · Pitches Begin
George Chou, Director of the MHG Charitable Foundation, said “From Idea to Impact” is a new youth initiative launched alongside the foundation’s ongoing 2026 Mentorship Scholarship Program.
Through funding and mentor support, the program aims to encourage students to voice original ideas and turn them into action.
Contestants were asked to present their project themes, execution plans, and expected impact in two and a half minutes, followed by live questions from the judges.
The top three received micro-grants of $500, $300, and $250, while all participants received recognition.
Care in Action · Learning Forward
Yunah Choi focused on vulnerable youth aging out of the care system, proposing support with resumes, ID applications, interviews, and daily-life resources to help them rebuild confidence and direction.
Mariah Prenatt addressed the gaps low-income students face in SAT/ACT prep, tutoring, and career guidance, proposing an integrated resource platform to expand access to college and opportunity.
Isabel Wang combined AI and mentorship, envisioning a smart matching system that connects students with professionals based on background, interests, and career goals.
Jasmine Walia proposed using learnathon and hackathon to broaden access to computer science, helping students with limited resources or experience enter coding and AI.
Voices Recorded · Earth Engaged
Betty Chen proposed “100 Interviews, 100 Voices”, using structured interviews to document voices often overlooked in the community—teachers, caregivers, and public servants—and deepen young people’s understanding of civic life.
Kimaya Henderson addressed the scattered nature of AP study resources, proposing a student-built platform with notes, study guides, and exam materials to reduce stress and improve learning.
Michelle Guo focused on environmental action, proposing regular park and lake cleanups supported by volunteers, environmental education, and incentives to strengthen community engagement.
Tina Deng tackled shrinking research funding and limited STEM access, proposing a website and app to connect researchers with student volunteers and open real lab opportunities to more high school students.
Live Q&A · Youth Shine
One by one, the eight students took the stage to present solutions to issues they care about, then faced judges’ questions on feasibility, starting points, and funding.
Calm and composed, they responded with poise well beyond their years, while parents listened closely and broke into warm applause.
George Chou, Director of the MHG Charitable Foundation, said that in the AI era, what matters most is not test-taking, but the ability to use AI, think creatively, lead, and act on ideas.
Many parents also stayed throughout to cheer on their children. At the close, Kitty Lo, founder of the MHG Charitable Foundation, personally presented certificates and prize money, while red-envelope raffles filled the room with applause and laughter.
