Applications are open for the 2025 Vermont Pitch Challenge, a program offered by the University of Vermont that inspires high school students to invent products or ideas that can be successfully applied to the real world.

Now in its second year, the Vermont Pitch Challenge offers winning students full scholarships to UVM, along with cash prizes for top runners-up. The competition calls for submissions that are financially sustainable and make a positive difference in society.

This is the second year for the challenge, which offers a full scholarship to UVM for the winner, and cash prizes for the top runners up. Students are encouraged to come up with ideas that are financially sustainable, but also have a positive impact on society.

The challenge is open to grade 10-12 students, regardless of where they live.

“The Vermont Pitch Challenge is a response to growing interest among young people in entrepreneurialism ,” said Rick Dalton, President and Co-CEO of CFES. “Studies show that 60% of high school students want to start and run their own businesses.”

Participants can enter as individuals or in teams of up to three, creating business plans aimed at community development or broader social good. As they develop their ideas, students receive coaching in business skills, including market analysis, business planning, and capital acquisition. Finalists will pitch their concepts to a panel of UVM business students in a format similar to the popular show “Shark Tank”.

The 2024 challenge attracted submissions from 27 U.S. states and seven countries, with one CFES GEAR UP Scholar from Ticonderoga, NY, securing a finalist spot and a $1,000 award. This year, applicants can look forward to increased support and recognition as they strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

At a recent workshop held at CFES headquarters in Essex, NY, Brian Gomez, UVM’s Assistant Director of Admissions, highlighted that participating in the challenge benefits college applications, saying, “Colleges look beyond transcripts. They want students who engage with their communities—something we highly value at UVM.”

At the workshop, students from Crown Point, Willsboro, and Moriah (N.Y.) shared ideas including a healthcare nonprofit for small, rural communities; an automated window squeegee for high-rise buildings; a detection device for date-rape drugs; a shielded, heated umbrella; a nonprofit to discourage bullying; a stethoscope for the hearing-impaired; and sidewalks that would use foot traffic to generate electricity.

“The workforce is evolving, and many of you may ultimately work for yourselves,” noted Ron Rix, CFES GEAR UP Project Director. “Identifying a need and developing a solution is foundational to today’s private sector.”

Dalton said participation in the Pitch Challenge also helps students develop CFES’ trademark Essential Skills that serve students well in their college careers and beyond. “Young people learn to set goals, collaborate, and persist through challenges. Networking and mentorship are also key components, helping students realize they are not alone in this journey.”

For more information about the Vermont Pitch Challenge and to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6tz98rz. Pitch applications are open through Feb.15.