Nearly 500 students comprising of 125 middle to high school teams pitched ideas at the Shark Tank-inspired competition at Bloomsburg University. Northeast High School team 1, Jayln Reyes, Chelsea Vinas, Lighia Lima, and Maya Carrasquillo impressed the judges and won 6th place. This is the teams 2nd year competing (last year in 2022, they placed 4th). Their product was designed to rapidly improve head trauma/concussion assessment. The pitches were judged on feasibility, targetability, and profitability. The judges included entrepreneurs as well as venture capitalists.

A total of 3 teams represented the School District: 2 teams from Northeast High School, and 1 team from George Washington High School.

Next year the plan is to have a local competition in the schools and at the district as a qualifying event. If you are interested in learning more about The Guppy Pond (the qualifying district event), DECA, or the CTE Business Pathways contact Denise Magasich, dmagasich@philasd.org

This story was also featured on WNEP.com.