Latest news with #NFTE
Yahoo
6 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
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland Student Wins NFTE Capital Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,000 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE Capital Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Capital Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Washington, DC, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named four local student businesses as the winners of its annual Capital 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 Lisa K. Kelly, Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US); Bryan Pynchon, 1st SVP, Market Executive at EagleBank; Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation; Tien Wong, Chairman & CEO at Opus8, Inc.; and Vennard Wright, Founder & CEO of PerVista AI. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and two runners up to each receive $250. 1st Place: Arlo Pangilinan from Oxon Hill High School in Prince George's County, Maryland, with his business idea ScholarSync, which offers a mix of digital planners and online time management tools to help burnt out, anxious, and procrastinating high school students. 2nd Place: Elijah Parker & Kymani Otano-Charity from Francis Scott Key Elementary Middle School in Baltimore, with their business idea Carry Confidence, which provides one-of-a-kind custom bags. Runner up: Mariana Phipps & Paige Dickensheets from Francis Scott Key Elementary Middle School in Baltimore, with their business idea Blysse, which creates perfumes made from all natural ingredients. Runner up: Jazlyn Ramirez from Falls Church High School in Virginia, with her business idea Paws and Claws, which provides pet grooming, boarding, and training services for every pet. 'I am deeply impressed by the exceptional caliber of this year's student finalists. Their achievements stand as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of NFTE programs,' remarked Meg Stewart, Executive Director of NFTE Capital Region. 'These students exemplify how a singular, innovative idea, when coupled with targeted support and training, can evolve into a comprehensive and compelling business pitch. This encapsulates the essence of NFTE's mission: to ignite entrepreneurial potential and equip students with the tools to shape their futures.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Dominique Kizer from KIPP DC Public Schools and Veteran Teacher of the Year Fred Coulter from Falls Church High School as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Matt Aaron, CEO of Lux Wealth Planning and Capital Region Advisory Board member, and corporate Volunteer of the Year E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE Capital Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY US, with signature support from Santander Bank and associate support from 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 Capital Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Capital 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
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
Bahrain News Gazette
19-02-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Global Nonprofit NFTE Announces Winners of First-Ever 'Imagination League' in World Series of Innovation
Young innovators (ages 5-12) propose solutions to sustainable development goal-focused challenges New York, NY, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) — in partnership with Aramco, the Citi Foundation, and MetLife Foundation — proudly announces the winners of the Imagination League of the World Series of Innovation (WSI). Since 2009, NFTE's annual WSI competition has invited young people from around the world to come up with creative solutions addressing real-world issues tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year marked a significant expansion of WSI, which was offered for the first time to a younger audience of children ages 5-12 through the Imagination League, and in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi, thanks to the generous support of Aramco. The program aimed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to think critically about global challenges and devise innovative solutions. 'Through the World Series of Innovation Imagination League, NFTE provides a platform for our youngest entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and engage meaningfully with global problems,' said Dr. J.D. LaRock, President & CEO of NFTE. 'As the program continues to grow, I'm excited to see it inspire even more young innovators to consider how their ideas can contribute to a sustainable future for all.' 'We are proud to support WSI and especially the newly expanded Imagination League. This comes as part of our commitment to provide children around the world with greater opportunities to learn and participate through ensuring resource accessibility in multiple languages,' said Hadeel Al-Eisa, Corporate Citizenship Manager at Aramco. 'The talent and creativity of these young innovators is incredible. Their ideas not only reflect their potential but also highlight the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability from an early age.' Overall, this year's World Series of Innovation drew a total of 5,112 participants from 82 countries, with 1,161 participating in the Imagination League and competing for the chance to win up to $600 in prizes. Each challenge is linked to a specific SDG, encouraging participants to think critically about pressing global issues: Harlyn Bowns & Becca Dean from Randall Middle School in Florida won the Aramco Clean Water Challenge with their idea CWW, a long filtration pipeline that can stretch for miles to filter out harmful germs in contaminated water. Michal Lucian Prenoveau and Avi Dhillon from Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida won the Citi Foundation Youth Economic Advancement Challenge with their idea Stock Up on Jobz, an app designed for kids who want to explore additional ways to earn money within their community. Myra Saxena from H erbert Hoover Elementary School in California won the MetLife Foundation Good Health and Well-Being Challenge with her idea Healthy Littles, a convenient platform for children with diabetes to research healthy habits, discover diabetes-friendly recipes, and log their food intake. The winners of the World Series of Innovation Impact League (ages 13-24) will be announced on April 14, 2025. 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 [email protected]. 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.
