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Incubator Program

The youthink Incubator Program, Cohort 3 (dates to be announced), is an 8-month innovation program for teams of youth-serving professionals and young people from organizations across the United States and its territories. Teams develop and test innovative approaches to complex adolescent health challenges in their community using design thinking. Teams receive specialized training, one-on-one coaching, and $50,000 in funding.
 

Apply to Incubator Program

What will you do? 

As a participant in the youthink Incubator Program, you’ll work in a small team to design and test an innovation that addresses a specific adolescent health challenge in your community.  Each team will: 

  • Produce an innovation that addresses an adolescent sexual and reproductive health need in their community
  • Apply design thinking and other innovation principles to develop, test, and refine their solution
  • Create and test a prototype, a small-scale, physical model of an idea
  • Receive coaching and feedback throughout the innovation journey 
  • Develop a plan and supportive network to continue their work as innovators

Why should you apply?

We’re looking for teams who are passionate about improving the health of young people in their community. You should apply if you: 

  • Are part of a team of 3 to 5 people (ages 18+)
  • Include at least one young person on your team (ages 18–25)
  • Live in the United States and its territories
  • Can partner with an organization that can receive funding on your behalf
  • Can commit to about 20-30 hours per person per month for 8 months
  • Are available to travel to Los Angeles, CA for 2 in-person events in October 2026 and March 2027 (fully funded by youthink)
  • Need support and resources to address a challenge in adolescent and young adult health in their community

At this time, people who are employed by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles aren’t eligible to apply to either program. 

What will you get?

By participating, teams will gain a wealth of valuable experiences, skills, and resources including: 

  • Innovation expertise: Learn and apply design thinking skills to identify and solve problems in your community in human-centered ways, understand the experiences and needs of the community you serve, and develop and test creative solutions
  • New adolescent health perspectives: Apply positive youth development and youth engagement concepts
  • A dedicated support network: Work with changemakers and get guidance from experts including a coach dedicated to your team’s success
  • Funding: Receive $50,000 stipend for personnel, incentives, and other innovation needs
  • Hands-on learning: Engage in virtual trainings, regular coaching, cohort-wide calls, and 2 fully funded in-person events
  • Lasting impact: Develop ideas that will help young people in your community and beyond

Take a look at our youthink Incubator Program journey map below for more information:

In the Onboard stage, teams complete onboarding paperwork. 

In the Orient stage, teams get acquainted, learn about the youthink process, and hone their focus area for the program.

In the Empathize stage, teams connect with stakeholders and learn about their deeper experiences and needs. 

In the Define stage, teams analyze the information they’ve gathered from stakeholders and clearly define the problem they are solving.

In the Ideate stage, teams brainstorm ideas for how to address their problem and choose one to develop further. 

In the Prototype stage, teams build a small-scale representation of their idea to share with stakeholders. 

In the Test stage, teams share their prototype with stakeholders, listen to feedback, and refine it.

In the Sustain stage, teams pitch their innovation and set goals for the future.

In the Onboard stage, teams complete onboarding paperwork. 

In the Orient stage, teams get acquainted, learn about the youthink process, and hone their focus area for the program.

In the Empathize stage, teams connect with stakeholders and learn about their deeper experiences and needs. 

In the Define stage, teams analyze the information they’ve gathered from stakeholders and clearly define the problem they are solving.

In the Ideate stage, teams brainstorm ideas for how to address their problem and choose one to develop further. 

In the Prototype stage, teams build a small-scale representation of their idea to share with stakeholders. 

In the Test stage, teams share their prototype with stakeholders, listen to feedback, and refine it.

In the Sustain stage, teams pitch their innovation and set goals for the future.

How do I apply?

Apply to Incubator Program
Read Our FAQs

  • Join our email list to get notified when applications open
  • Create an Ideawake account to begin your application
  • Use Google Chrome as your browser for the best experience

  • Provide the contact details the team lead
  • Work with your team to answer questions about your proposal
  • Attach any additional materials that showcase your team’s creativity

  • Selected teams will be invited to virtual interviews with youthink staff to discuss their ideas

  • Teams will be notified about youthink’s final decision
  • If chosen, teams will start the onboarding process

Additional Information

Application Timeline

  • Dates will be announced soon

How to Apply Guide

  • Coming soon

Application Link
youthink.ideawake.com

 

FAQs
youthink.health/faqs

 

Website
youthink.health

 

Email
youthink@chla.usc.edu

Apply to Incubator Program