Young entrepreneurs at East Ridge, Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares high schools are preparing for the third annual “District Pitch” on Tuesday, April 23. The District Pitch is similar to the ABC TV series “Shark Tank.”

Five teams of students from these four schools and the “Wild Card,” chosen by those who attend, will present their best product in a pitch to a panel of judges who will give 1st- and 2nd-place awards. A “People’s Choice” award will be determined by the audience. Potential investors will be present and could offer to fund one of the new ventures.

The Lake County Schools College and Career Readiness Department launched Entrepreneurship Academies at Eustis and Tavares high schools in the fall of 2020 and later added academies at East Ridge and Mount Dora high schools. Through the Entrepreneurship Academies, students learn skills and mindsets that will help them launch their careers. Some students start their own businesses while still in high school.

Teachers Nikki Sauerbrey (THS), Debbie Cyr (EHS), Matt McDaniel (MDHS), and Simone Seaton (ERHS) invite parents, students and business leaders in the community to attend the event and hear the student groups pitch their ideas.

The District Pitch is sponsored by Portillo’s, the Eustis Chamber of Commerce and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. It is free and open to the public with limited seating.

• What: Lake County School’s District Pitch
• When: Tuesday, April 23.  Doors open at 9:15 and the program starts at 10am.
• Where: Clermont Arts & Rec Center, 3700 S Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711