Latest news with #NetworkforTeachingEntrepreneurship
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Providence Student Wins NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,000 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Boston, MA, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named four local student businesses as the winners of its annual New England Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Aurora Castillo Magner, Executive Director, Digital Product Management & Transformation Readiness at Santander Bank; Elise Hanaoka, Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US); Tameem Hourani, Founder & Principal of and Katie Quigley Mellor, Program Director, Social Entrepreneurship at Innovate@BU. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Evan Perez from The MET School in Providence, Rhode Island, with his business idea Color Your Life, which produces hyper-personalized coloring books designed to get kids away from their digital devices. 2nd Place: Dayneris Rodriguez and Rachel Soto from Discovery High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, with their business idea Eternal Fantasies, which produces eco-friendly, long-lasting, beautiful flower bouquets made from ribbons. Runner Up: Rieden Harlow-Rivas and Yianni Nikolaou from Ipswich High School in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their business idea Birdies N' Bass, a fishing rod that is the ultimate fusion of two beloved outdoor activities, golf and fishing, into one versatile, eye-catching tool. Runner Up: Jessica Zanchi from Keefe Regional Technical High School in Framingham, Massachusetts, with her business idea Groundlevel, a service business that partners with the video game industry to produce alternative accessible versions of popular titles in order to cater to common physical disabilities. 'This year our young entrepreneurial finalists truly represent NFTE's regional footprint and the growing entrepreneurial spirit from various corners across Massachusetts and Rhode Island,' said Jennifer Green, NFTE New England Sr. Program Manager. 'Our NFTE entrepreneurs from Providence, Springfield, Framingham and Ipswich had ideas that ranged from creating innovative new products by leveraging AI and handmade craftsmanship to creating lifelong memories, to providing a service that brings accessibility and inclusivity to the gaming world. I'm incredibly proud of our students this year, and so grateful to our NFTE teachers and volunteers for supporting them along their journey to become the next generation of entrepreneurial doers and thinkers.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Tate Shippen from Ipswich High School and Veteran Teacher of the Year Matt Warren from Keefe Regional Technical High School, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Blake Underhill and corporate Volunteer of the Year Brookline Bank for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY US and Santander Bank, with signature support from Brookline Bank and associate support from the Eastern Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Student Wins NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,500 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Los Angeles, CA, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named five local student businesses as the winners of its annual West Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Dulari Amin, Co-Founder of Antonia Castro, NFTE alumna and Program Manager of SoLA Impact; Devang Gaur, Product Manager at Adobe; Amir Mossanen, Managing Director, Wealth Advisor at Truist Wealth; and Brittany Trick, VP Small Business Sales Manager of U.S. Bank. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, a third-place winner to receive $500, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Andre Cheng from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles with his business idea Mindi, a mental health app that is low pressure, accessible, and anonymous. 2nd Place: Jamie Jimenez, also from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles, with her business idea Soberband, a wristband that uses light technology to accurately measure a driver's blood alcohol content. 3rd Place: Lychee Li from the Los Angeles Urban League with her business idea Mischee Film, a production company that will produce 12 short films per year, each one focusing on a specific perspective or type of crime. Runner Up: Noelle Kanon from Joseph A Gregori High School in Modesto, California, with her business idea Smart Swing, an AI gadget that attaches to a tennis player's racket to accurately pinpoint whether the ball is in or out. Runner Up: Cicily Yu & Raymond Cheung Wu from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco with their business idea NatureHue, a sustainable marker brand that reduces plastic waste while providing users with a non-toxic marker made of all natural ingredients. 'The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a powerful reminder of what our young people can accomplish when given the tools and support to pursue their ideas,' said Emma Hunt, Program Director of NFTE West. 'This year's competitors demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and a real passion for entrepreneurship. We're incredibly proud of each student who participated and deeply grateful to the educators, coaches, and judges who helped make this experience so impactful. Their commitment to our students' success continues to drive this program forward.' The event also honored Teachers of the Year Crystal Mitchell and Rhonda Holbert from the Los Angeles Urban League, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Chris Boyd from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and corporate Volunteer of the Year BMO for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and U.S. Bank with signature support from Santander Bank and associate support from First Citizens Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago Student Wins NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,550 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Chicago, IL, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named six local student businesses as the winners of its annual Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Jennifer L. Husbands, PhD, Founder of Steward Education Advisors; Fatima Iqbal, Discovery Specialist at Traub & Associates and CEO of Naz Exotic Auto; Sholape Kolawole, EY–Parthenon Chicago Office Leader; Marcus A. Payne, Vice President, Operations at Ingredion; and Aaron Trinidad, NFTE alumnus and Account Management at Ogilvy. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and a third-place winner to receive $500. The audience also selected a fast pitch people's choice winner receiving $250 and two runners up each receiving $150. 1st Place: Joshua Mallory from Chicago Hope Academy with his business idea Easy Fit, which provides accessible dress shirts with magnetic closures for people with upper body mobility challenges. 2nd Place: Prince Amankwaa from Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, Ohio, with his business idea Goal Home, which brings affordable, high-quality soccer camps directly to underserved neighborhoods. 3rd Place: Aminah Taylor from the Saint Louis Science Center with her business idea Fye Haven, which provides a bridge between therapy and everyday life for people with autism, fostering independence and growth through accessible, tailored support. 'We are immensely proud of the outstanding youth who have participated in competitions across the Midwest,' said Dr. Scott Nasatir, NFTE Midwest Executive Director. "These remarkable young entrepreneurs are not only generating innovative solutions to complex societal challenges, but they are also deeply committed to enhancing their local communities. Their dedication, along with the steadfast support of their educators and families, is truly commendable.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Harvey Love and Veteran Teacher of the Year Luke Petro, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Kristoffer Kizer and corporate Volunteer of the Year ShipBob for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and Ingredion, with signature support from Santander Bank, associate support from PayPal and Zuora, and additional support from Slalom. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in to access your portfolio
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo student's love for crochet has turned into a business
The event featured 24 youth-led businesses and over 120 young people who completed the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme. Jack Packer, a student at Coláiste Iascaigh, Easkey, represented Sligo in the Best Business category with his enterprise, Knot Ur Average Craft - a crochet business that creates unique, colourful and custom pieces by hand. From bookmarks to plush animals, Jack's work blends creativity, self-expression and entrepreneurial flair. 'Crochet has always been something I love doing, and NFTE helped me realise I could actually turn it into a business,' said Jack. 'Being recognised on a national level really means the world.' Finalists competed in Best Business, Best Innovation, and Best Social Enterprise, with awards given to the most outstanding projects in each. All participants, however, were recognised for their innovation, leadership and passion. Odhrán O'Mahony, Chairperson of Foróige, commented: 'Year after year, NFTE proves just how powerful youth potential really is. The creativity, courage and commitment we've seen today is inspiring. Programmes like this don't just teach business skills—they help young people see themselves differently. "They leave believing they have what it takes to shape their own future, and that belief is something they'll carry with them for life.' Over 6,100 young people from 24 counties took part in this year's NFTE programme, supported by 260+ trained educators, youth workers and volunteers.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NFTE Announces Winners of the World Series of Innovation's Impact League
Young entrepreneurs win over $19,000 for innovative global solutions Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Announces Winners for World Series of Innovation Impact League New York, NY, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is pleased to announce the winners for the 2024-2025 World Series of Innovation (WSI) Impact League. This annual competition, presented by NFTE, Aramco, the Citi Foundation and MetLife Foundation, provides young people ages 13 to 24 with the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to challenges focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "With 3,951 participants from more than 50 countries, this year's WSI Impact League highlights the enthusiasm of young people around the world for social entrepreneurship,' said NFTE president and CEO, Dr. J.D. LaRock. 'From clean water solutions to gamified financial literacy programs, it's clear that the next generation is focused on positively impacting their families and the communities around them." The winners from each category were selected by experts from the challenge supporters, with first-place winners receiving $1,500, second-place winners receiving $600 and third-place winners receiving $300. WSI's challenge categories were supported by Aramco, CBT Technology Institute, the Citi Foundation, Comerica Bank, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), MetLife Foundation, and Zuora. 2025 World Series of Innovation Competition winners: Aramco Clean Water Challenge 1st place: Nanogrove, Saudi Arabia 2nd place: MoringaShell, Saudi Arabia 3rd place: FlowPure, CA, US CBT Technology Solar Innovation Challenge 1st place: Solar Shade, CO, USA 2nd place: ConnectED, Panama 3rd place: ThermoPane, TX, USA Citi Foundation Youth Economic Advancement Challenge 1st place: JiffyJobs, Pakistan 2nd place: ServiFinder, Mexico 3rd place: UpLyft, Ohio, USA Comerica Quality Education Challenge 1st place: STEMShareKids, FL, USA 2nd place: TradeScope, CA, USA 3rd place: Finance in Advance, CT, USA EY Responsible AI Challenge 1st place: Satus, CA, USA 2nd place: Project Unity: Augmented Reality Community Gardens, TX, USA 3rd place: Soul Spectrum, Bangladesh Game Based Financial Learning Challenge 1st place: Business Empire, Ukraine 2nd place: Wealth Warriors, Thailand 3rd place: ReFinEd, China MetLife Foundation Good Health and Well-Being Challenge 1st place: Meditel, India 2nd place: WoundCorder, CA, USA 3rd place: The MoodCube, CA, USA Zuora Climate Action Challenge 1st place: FriendlyFlow, CA, USA 2nd place: Terran, CA, USA / Singapore 3rd place: Recycle Radar, Canada WSI is a core component of NFTE's mission, equipping young innovators with the skills, mindset and opportunities to tackle global challenges. By empowering the next generations to pursue real world solutions, WSI fosters a culture of problem solving that drives meaningful change on a global scale. Learn more about the NFTE WSI innovation challenges, the sponsoring organizations, and the prizes being offered at Find out more about the winning entries at ### For media inquiries, please contact NFTE National Communications Director Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at . About NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachment Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Announces Winners for World Series of Innovation Impact League CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in to access your portfolio
