FAQ

For the TPP program, innovation reflects a broad spectrum of new or adapted products, programming, strategies, approaches, interventions, policies, and practices.

The RYSE Innovation Hub is a hybrid innovation hub funded by the Office of Population Affairs.

It brings together:

• Innovation Development Teams (IDTs) working on youth-centered solutions
• Subject matter experts and technical assistance providers
• RYSE Youth Innovation Advisors who help shape and refine ideas
• Structured support to move ideas from concept to scale

The Hub focuses on capacity building, co-design, and iterative testing rather than direct service delivery.

For this cohort, we are seeking teams that:

• Have an innovation that is already in development, with at least an early prototype that can be implemented and tested by Spring 2027
• Are interested in and open to rigorous evaluation and/or scaling their innovation
• Are addressing teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) and/or STI outcomes for young people ages 14–24
• Have access to and are actively engaging young people who represent their intended end users
• Are able to meet federal requirements, including those outlined in the Presidential Executive Orders
• Have the capacity to fully participate in and engage with the Hub’s programming and supports

Yes. You can apply to more than one innovation hub. However, if selected, you will only participate in one hub at a time to ensure you can fully engage in the experience and receive tailored support.

To apply to the RYSE Innovation Hub:

• Submit a general interest form (for future cohorts, partnerships, or Youth Innovation Advisor roles)
• Respond to the official cohort application when it opens – click APPLY NOW button on home page
• Cohort 3 will be announced in August 2026 and is expected to launch in September 2026

If you’re interested early, we encourage you to complete the general interest form so we can share updates and upcoming opportunities.

Although young people may not be the primary users of your innovation, its purpose is to enhance their health and well-being. Teams are expected to engage them actively throughout the program to ensure that innovations remain relevant and effective. The budget should include honoraria or stipends to appropriately compensate youth for their contributions and expertise.

All core team members (minimum of three) must participate in the in-person workshops. These workshops are designed to help you develop a youth-centered Theory of Change and an implementation and evaluation plan to advance your innovation.

Teams should apply only if every core member can attend and fully engage in the workshop. If you foresee difficulties with attendance, this opportunity may not be suitable for your team at this time.

No. Teams don’t need to work full-time, but at least three core members should commit at least 8–10 hours per month—split between scheduled sessions and independent team work. Having dedicated members is important to achieve your innovation goals and make the most of RYSE activities.

Reach out to us at ryse@etr.org, and we’ll do our best to reply within 2 business days.

Additionally, we’re offering weekly office hours during the weeks of 5/18, 5/25, and 6/1. Click here to sign up and join.

The RYSE Innovation Hub program is structured as a capacity building program that includes financial support. We allocate $100,000–$125,000 to cover expenses such as personnel, travel, incentives, and other costs related to the development, testing, and scaling of your innovation. Payments to participating teams will be processed via quarterly invoices.

No. The $100,000–$125,000 award your team receives should cover travel, lodging, and other costs for attending all in-person events.

To apply for RYSE, your organization must be able to confirm the following federal eligibility and fiscal responsibility requirements:

• We have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registered on SAM.gov.
• We do not have any delinquent federal debt.
• We are not currently debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds.
• If we have previously received federal funding, we are in compliance with all applicable Federal Award Terms and Conditions.
• We have an accounting system (or equivalent method) in place to properly track and separate costs for this project.
• We will ensure that project costs and activities are not duplicated across multiple funded projects.

Organizations unable to confirm these requirements are encouraged to participate in one of our weekly Office Hours sessions during the weeks of 5/18, 5/25, or 6/1 for further discussion. Please click here to sign up and join.