More than a dozen teams of high school students from the North Country are hard at work preparing for the Vermont Pitch Challenge, a global competition designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop innovative business ideas. The challenge offers participants the chance to win cash prizes or even a full scholarship to the University of Vermont (UVM).

On February 5, several teams from Crown Point Central School (CPCS) received coaching on their presentations from CFES-Brilliant Pathways, an Essex-based nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved students explore promising career opportunities. CFES partnered with UVM to create the Pitch Challenge, recognizing the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. “We need to support our students in developing entrepreneurial skills and exposure,” said Rick Dalton, Co-CEO of CFES.

As part of their preparation, students pitched their ideas to business leaders Lee Maxey and Neely Fortune, gaining valuable insights on how to craft compelling presentations. Those selected as finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects to UVM student-judges. Last year, a Ticonderoga student was among the five finalists invited to UVM to showcase her idea.

Students’ proposals—whether for businesses or nonprofits—must demonstrate demand for their product or service, outline potential funding sources, and prove long-term sustainability. Judges will also reward projects that have a positive societal impact.

“This is a phenomenal idea. Now you need to turn it into a product,” Maxey, CEO of MindMax, told CPCS student Eva as she presented her concept, Harmony for Humanity. Her project envisions care boxes for children entering psychiatric hospitals, containing blankets, journals, toys, and snacks. Eva emphasized that many children arrive at these facilities with no personal belongings, sometimes without parental support. “This can be one of the most vulnerable moments in their entire lives,” she explained. “These boxes offer comfort and recognition before they even receive medical care.”

Fortune advised Eva to explore grant opportunities to help fund her initiative, as securing financial backing will be a key factor in the judging process.

Another student, Aidan, and his three-member team pitched Pet Rescue Squad, a service dedicated to assisting families whose pets have been displaced by fires or natural disasters. Operating as an extension of local volunteer fire departments, the initiative aims to ensure rescued animals receive proper care. “This would have a tremendous impact on the mental health of affected families, knowing their pets are safe,” Aidan said. Fortune suggested the team reference the recent California wildfires as an example of the pressing need for such services.

Other innovative student projects included a stethoscope for the hearing impaired, a digital basketball backboard that enhances player performance, a plan to improve inmate care through specialized prison funding, and an animal-assisted therapy space designed to promote mental well-being.

“I am incredibly proud of my students’ dedication to this exciting competition,” said CPCS English teacher Rachael Leclaire-Charron, whose class is actively engaged in the challenge. “Some students have identified specific needs within the Crown Point community, while others have developed broader concepts aimed at helping underserved populations.”

The Vermont Pitch Challenge not only fosters entrepreneurial thinking but also aligns with a growing interest among young people in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path. Final project submissions are due on February 15, with the ultimate pitch event scheduled for April 10.

“Last year, nearly 200 participants from around the world demonstrated the extraordinary potential of young entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change,” said Jay Jacobs, UVM Vice Provost for Enrollment Management. “We are eager to discover fresh visionary ideas and continue building a vibrant community of young innovators committed to making a difference.”