Student Entrepreneurs Learn 'Shark Tank' Style

MORICHES, NY – In a scene straight out of "Shark Tank," seventh grade entrepreneurs at William Floyd Middle School recently practiced their sales pitches.

The kids were involved in their final project in teacher Lauren Engels’ “Exploring Entrepreneurship” class, modeled after the hit television show during which entrepreneurs make business presentations to a panel of investors, the district said.

Students formed “company team groups” and developed their own business and product ideas, pitching them to Engels and the “guest sharks,” including parents and community members with entrepreneurial experience and business backgrounds, district officials said.

“This project is a culmination of all the business concepts the students learned throughout the course, such as product design, manufacturing, marketing, advertising, sales, and financial management, which were then applied to creating and running their own business,” Engels said.

The students’ performance showcased their ability to work well in teams, under pressure and on deadline, Engels said.

Through the process of answering tough questions from Engels, the “guest sharks,” and classmates, students learned how to “think on their feet” and speak publicly and confidently in front of an audience, the district sad.

“Through their sales pitch presentations, students strengthened their soft skills, including teamwork, collaboration, writing, research, public speaking and presentation skills,” Engels said.

The district thanked the “guest sharks” who volunteered their time, including Christine Ireland, vice president, relationship manager at TD Bank; Michael LaFauci, serial entrepreneur, co-founder, Inventor and Investor; David Schultzer, entrepreneur/local business owner; Steve Filosa, entrepreneur/local business owner; John DelVecchio, entrepreneur/local business owner; and Allison Wiegand, business teacher, William Floyd High School.

Patch photo courtesy William Floyd School District.