“When he makes this product, tell me, because I will buy one!”

This winter, sophomores at the Possible Project, a youth entrepreneurship center that teaches high school students to start and run their own businesses, presented their business ideas for the first time to a group of pitch panelists from Uber Boston and several other local companies. Students at the Possible Project attend schools in Cambridge, but come from all over the Greater Boston area, to learn how to start and run their own business.

At the Possible Project, entrepreneurship is utilized to inspire young people who have untapped potential, empowering them with the skills required to achieve enduring personal and professional success. In only six short weeks of class, students brainstormed ideas, surveyed their target market, and researched their startup and variable costs, including how much it would cost to build a prototype. The goal of the pitch panel was to receive funding for their prototype by pitching their idea to local professionals and community leaders.

Joined by top executives from other companies like Johnson & Johnson, Uber Boston employees listened to pitches, gave critical feedback to the students, and helped Possible Project staff decide on investment awards. Students pitched ideas ranging from handmade pocket squares to tutoring services, 3d printed phone cases to piano lessons, and much more. Panelists engaged with students over their ideas, helping them identify their “unmet need” in the market.

“I had an amazing time volunteering with the Possible Project. These students were so impressive across the board – my panel got to see pitches for things like hand-made Indian jewelry, artisanal Jamaican jerk sauce, and a self-heating coffee mug. The enthusiasm and organization around each project is inspiring me in my own work!” – Annika, Uber Boston

The Possible Project provides the supportive structure in which students can learn, succeed, create, and even fail sometimes, and being able to provide advice and encouragement to these smart, talented students was an incredible experience for us.

If interested in volunteering at the Possible Project, please email Philip Johnston ([email protected]) to learn more!