Philadelphia High School Seniors Pitch Products Shark Tank-Style for Funding

There’s a unique opportunity starting up at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. It’s giving its high school seniors an unusual platform to showcase their innovation and win funding for their creative projects. This exciting initiative is like a mini version of the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”

The Philadelphia-based biotech company, Braskem, is the key player offering funds. Instead of the typical fundraisers, like bake sales, the company provides direct financial support to students for their projects. This allows students to focus on creating quality products without the worry of raising funds themselves.

There’s an impressive lineup of projects coming from these vibrant minds. Imagine, a high school senior creating a children’s book aimed at introducing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts to young children. Shahd Abdalla, a senior at the academy, is doing just that and has recently received a $500 fund for her project from Braskem.

Unlike anything she could have imagined, Abdalla was able to pitch her idea to a real company and secure funding, propelling her out of her high school bubble and stepping into an adult role. It is this kind of experience that not only bolsters the confidence of young adults but also prepares them for what’s to come in the future.

Then there’s Fatima Abshahera, another bright star on the horizon, who has spent her time developing a children’s book that addresses the issue of immigration in a way that kids can easily grasp. She aims to tell stories about children whose parents immigrated and the kinds of responsibilities they often have to undertake, like translating documents and paying bills. The intention is to provide representation to a demographic that often gets overlooked in children’s books.

This exceptional initiative by the Science Leadership Academy and Braskem is creating a real-life learning opportunity for students. It allows them to apply their theoretical lessons to real-world scenarios, creating a solid foundation for their adulthood. Through this, the students are equipped with better understanding, perspective, and most importantly, the courage to put forth their ideas, which are now turning into tangible products for the community.