‘I Will Graduate’ students make ‘Shark Tank’ pitches, earn cash toward making businesses dreams a reality

The goal of the program, which is partially funded by the mayor's office, is to teach the skills that will allow the city's youth to be financially successful.

News 12 Staff and Julia Joseph

Jun 1, 2024, 10:41 PM

Updated 127 days ago

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After a 16-week program, 125 students in the I Will Graduate program learned what it takes to start a business from the ground up.
The goal of the program, which is partially funded by the mayor's office, is to teach the skills that will allow the city's youth to be financially successful.
The students pitched their business ideas in a Shark Tank-esque setting. Each of them left with $200 to help bring their dreams to reality. The winner of the pitch got an additional $300. The grand prize winner earned $1,000.
Although these numbers may not add up to support a business at its full extent, it's a start – and that's exactly what the kids say they need.