The Confidence Lab

What?

This program offers grants (up to $500) and mentorship for students who want to pursue a project to explore their voice and vision in the real world. This could look like covering tournament/travel fees for a speech and debate tournament, launching a community initiative, starting a podcast to spotlight local student leaders. 

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We currently have $2,500 in grant funds available (with more on the way, thanks to generous support from local organizations).

Why?

At the heart of our mission is a belief that confidence is built through action. While our organization is rooted in public speaking and debate, The Confidence Lab creates a space for students to apply those same skills — confidence, critical thinking, and global awareness — to the real world through projects they design and lead themselves. Confidence does not look the same for everyone, so this program is intentionally open-ended. Most importantly, we believe that economic privilege should never be the barrier that keeps a student from taking their next step. The Confidence Lab is here to make sure that every student has the support to bring their voice to life.

How?

1. Eligibility

   1. Students must be in 1st through 10th grade

   2. Students must have attended at least one session of The Voices Initiative

2. Apply through this application form

   1. Applications are evaluated based on the dedication of the applicant, the thoughtfulness and clarity of the idea, and The Voices Initiative's ability to support the project. 

3. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and results will be emailed to the student and parent within a week

4. If accepted, students will:

   1. Pledged a grant of the amount indicated in their application

   2. Be matched with a mentor from The Voices Initiative team

5. Together with their mentor, students will:

   1. Develop a project plan, timeline, and grant breakdown

   2. Meet regularly with the mentor to carry out the project step by step