UVM's Premier Competition for High Schoolers Returns to Empower Young Entrepreneurs
Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont (UVM) has announced the 2025 Vermont Pitch Challenge, an extraordinary opportunity for high school entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and drive impactful change. This prestigious competition, inspired by the renowned ‘Shark Tank’ format, offers talented young visionaries the chance to win a full-tuition scholarship to UVM and receive crucial support for their groundbreaking ventures.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Vermont Pitch Challenge will officially open for submissions from Oct 15, 2024, through Feb 15, 2025. High school students in grades 10 – 12 worldwide are invited to submit their business proposals online at no cost, focusing on ideas that make a positive impact on the world.
Last year’s competition saw nearly 200 applicants from seven countries and 27 states, with finalists representing diverse regions such as New York, Florida, Vermont, Pennsylvania and St. Croix. The inaugural winner, Pippa Scott from Killington, Vermont, impressed judges with her initiative, Ride for Mental Health, and this year, UVM is eager to discover and support the next generation of innovators.
“My experience with the Vermont Pitch Challenge impacted me greatly,” 2024 Vermont Pitch Challenge finalist Danny Philip said. “It helped me to not only grow in knowledge of business but develop relationships with others and set myself up financially.”
Important Dates:
Application Period: Oct 15, 2024 – Feb 15, 2025
Final Pitch Event: Apr 10, 2025
Why Apply?
- Make your college application stand out
- Build the skills today’s employers are looking for
- Receive valuable feedback on your business idea
- Learn from entrepreneurial experts about how to build your business
- Challenge yourself to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond
“Last year, nearly 200 participants from across the world showcased the extraordinary potential of young entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change,” Jay Jacobs, UVM Vice Provost for Enrollment Management said. “We are eager to discover new visionary ideas and continue building a vibrant community of young innovators who are passionate about creating a better world.”
This is a chance for young entrepreneurs to make a mark on the world. Our free submission process is the first step towards turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions. For detailed application guidelines, updates and additional information, visit go.uvm.edu/vtpitchchallenge.
University of Vermont: For people and planet
Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public research university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Vermont’s state flagship and land-grant university attracts $260 million annually in groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.
Source: [BURLINGTON, VT, September 26, 2024 –] The University of Vermont
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