Mastery proudly hosted its first Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Fast Pitch Competition on April 16, 2024. The event, held at the University of Pennsylvania’s innovation hub, Pennovation, provided a platform for high school students to present carefully crafted business ideas before a panel of judges.

In preparation for this event, students spent the year gaining vital skills and hands-on experience through a curriculum developed in partnership with NFTE. Bolstered by coaching from teachers, students were empowered to develop business concepts to solve challenging problems or fill market gaps and present them in class in hopes of qualifying as finalists to advance to the Fast Pitch Competition. The top five students from each school, as well as runner-ups and most improved students, were invited to participate in Tuesday’s event at Pennovation.

The competition showcased a variety of business ideas, highlighting the creativity and ambition of Mastery students. From innovative tech apps to community-based businesses, each presentation emphasized the potential for young entrepreneurs to drive positive change locally and beyond. Parents and family members were an integral part of this exciting day, cheering on and supporting the students. Djaka Fofana of Hardy Williams placed first for her company, BioMedica, a healthcare app that would provide any user, despite their educational background or age, the opportunity to explore the healthcare industry through accessible learning and volunteer opportunities. As the event came to a close, it was clear that the NFTE Fast Pitch Competition had not only provided students with a platform for sharing their voices but also set the stage for a generation of business leaders in the making.

“Mastery’s Fast Pitch Competition was an incredible culmination of student ingenuity, effort, and vision. Selecting Pennovation as our event venue was intentional, as it allowed our students to shine in a space dedicated to innovation, positive change, and boundless opportunity. By pairing entrepreneurship with broad career exposure in the 10th and 11th grade, we are providing students with critical skills and a growth mindset that will set them apart in any career they choose. Looking ahead, we are eager to build on this program and cannot wait to see what ideas students will bring forth in coming years!”  – Cristina Juarbe Santaliz, Director of Workforce Development

Winners:

First place: Djaka Fofana—Hardy Williams High—BioMedica, a healthcare app that allows any user, despite their educational background or age, to delve into the healthcare industry through accessible learning and volunteer opportunities.

Second place: Jayairra Fox—Hardy Williams High—Sign Culture, “Struggle less, Connect more,” an app that aims to break the cultural barriers of sign language.

Most improved student: Tyshaun Sample—Mastery High School of Camden—Brunch with Ty, a Camden-based food truck to provide meals to families on busy mornings.