Pitch Competition for High School Students to Win $500
Partnering with the Pittsburgh Steelers, high school students will develop a high-level marketing communications plan at Point Park University's annual Point Pitch competition on October 23, 2026, for a chance to win a cash prize for the best campaigns. The winning team will receive $500 and the second-place team will receive $250.
High school student teams will develop an integrated marketing communications plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Teams may include six students and schools can bring a maximum of two teams.
Teams will be paired with a professional mentor from the Pittsburgh public relations and advertising industry who will provide networking opportunities and guidance. Teams will produce everything from the big idea to creative executions and strategy.
Point Pitch Event Details
Date and Time
Friday, October 23, 2026
8:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location
Point Park University
201 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Cost
There is no cost to participate.
Meals
A light breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided, free of charge, to students and faculty. Teachers can note any dietary restrictions or food requests on the registration page.
Registration Deadline
Spots are limited this year. Sign up early to secure your team's spot. The registration deadline is October 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Fall 2025
Client: Dick's Sporting Goods
Winners: A team from North Allegheny Intermediate High School won the $500 prize for their big idea: "Home of Sport: More than Just a Store," with the idea that even though it's a House of Sport, it's really a HOME for family, legacy, community, etc.
Plus, a team from North Allegheny Senior High School won the $250 prize as the second-place winners. Congratulations to all of teams!
Eighteen Local Industry Professionals Serve as Mentors to Students
Thirty-two teams were paired with a professional mentor from the Pittsburgh public relations and advertising industry, who provided networking opportunities and guidance. Teams produced everything from the big idea to creative executions and strategy.
Twenty-One High Schools Bring Nearly 190 Students to Point Pitch
Point Pitch welcomed nearly 190 students from 21 local high schools, including:
- West Shamokin High School
- Indiana County Technology Center
- Elizabeth Forward High School
- North Allegheny Senior High School
- Cambridge Springs High School
- Valley High School
- South Side Area High School
- Greater Altoona Career and Technical Center
- West Middlesex High School
- Peters Township High School
- North Allegheny Intermediate High School
- Taylor Allderdice High School
- Greensburg-Salem High School
- Somerset Area High School
- Penn Hills High School
- North Hills High School
- Freeport Area Senior High School
- Montour High School
- Bethel Park High School
In Their Own Words: What Students and Teachers Say About Point Pitch
"This is our first time participating in Point Pitch and I'm astounded by how much we've accomplished to get here. This is an amazing opportunity for high school students." — Natalie Segan, Freeport Area High School teacher
"I learned about collaborating with others. We all had great ideas individually, but coming up with that final idea was challenging to get to." — James Kelly, North Allegheny Senior High School
"I learned that preparation is a big factor when it comes to public speaking." — Reese Selkr, Freeport Area High School
North Allegheny Intermediate Students Win $500
Congratulations to all Point Pitch participants and their professional mentors! A team from North Allegheny Intermediate High School won the $500 prize for their big idea: "Home of Sport: More than Just a Store."
Photo Gallery: Point Pitch 2025
Fall 2024
Client: The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh's Museum Lab
Winner: A team from Taylor Allderdice High School won the $500 prize for their big idea: "Your Space. Your Place. Your Vision. Your Decision."
Local Industry Professionals Serve as Mentors to Students
Fourteen teams were paired with a professional mentor from the Pittsburgh public relations and advertising industry, who provided networking opportunities and guidance. Teams produced everything from the big idea to creative executions and strategy.
Nine High Schools Bring 75 Students to Point Pitch
Point Pitch welcomed 75 students from nine local high schools, including:
- Valley High School
- Taylor Allderdice High School
- The Linsly School
- West Shamokin High School
- Thomas Jefferson High School
- Canon-McMillan High School
- Bethel Park High School
- Elizabeth Forward High School
- South Side Area High School
Taylor Allderdice Students Win $500
Congratulations to all Point Pitch participants and their professional mentors! A team from Taylor Allderdice High School won the $500 prize for their big idea: "Your Space. Your Place. Your Vision. Your Decision."
Photos
Photos by Chloe Humway '28
Questions?
Contact Dr. Jenna Lo Castro with questions about Point Pitch: jlocastro@pointpark.edu