Pay It Forward Accelerator
A community-supported grant program funding GMS alumni and emerging leaders ready to move from idea to impact in underserved communities.
ABOUT PIFA
What is the Pay It Forward Accelerator?
PIFA is a identifies, supports, and celebrates changemakers who are committed to paying forward the opportunities they’ve received and creating pathways for others to thrive. Through funding, mentorship, and hands-on leadership experience, we invest in the whole person – not just the project. We believe that lasting change happens when we invest in leaders who understand that true success is measured not just by what we achieve, but by what we enable others to accomplish.
HOW IT WORKS
A two-phase evaluation model
After applications are submitted, a panel of independent reviewers selects the strongest projects as finalists. Then, the broader community votes with their dollars - every $1 donated equals one vote. The top projects are awarded.
CURRENT COHORT
PIFA 2025-26 Changemakers
Six Changemakers are currently leading projects across the country — servicing their communities and building skills as leaders.
Sydney Fregoso and Rodrigo Bravo
Diabetes Mellitus Community Clinic
Tucson, AZ
Nathaniel Ramos
Improving Multi-Generational Literacy
Beaumont, TX
Crystal Harrell
IQ App: An AI-Powered Academic Success and Wellbeing Companion for Students
Virginia Beach, VA
Aubrey Skeeter
Yuchi Language Legend Illustration & Library Expansion
Glenpool, OK
Karen Perez
Caminos Científicos: Descubre tu trayectoria en la ciencia (Scientific Pathways)
Tucson, AZ
Kyla Stewart
Dovecote Dance Initiative
Miami, FL
APPLY TO PIFA
Applications open soon
Apply to PIFA 2026-2027 starting on July 20, 2026. GMS alumni and individuals with a GMS alum endorsement are eligible to apply. More information coming soon!
Questions? Email us at admin@scholarsequity.org