Miami Students Shine in Shark Tank Showcase, Tackling Big Issues!

Miami Students Shine in Shark Tank Showcase, Tackling Big Issues!

The summer of 2025 has brought forth impressive displays of creativity and innovation from the youth of Miami-Dade County. On July 18, nearly 600 public school students showcased their talents at the „Achieve Summer Showcase,“ a vibrant culmination of Achieve Miami’s enriching six-week summer program. Hosted across four campuses—Caribbean K-8 Center, Jesse J. McCrary Jr. Elementary, Frederick Douglass Elementary, and Lake Stevens Elementary—the event featured live Shark Tank-style presentations. Students passionately pitched their projects to panels of business leaders, educators, and professionals, grappling with pressing issues such as endangered species, emotional wellness, and hunger, reflecting a keen awareness of the world around them. Community Newspapers reports that high school „Achieve Scholars“ also joined in, proposing actionable solutions to challenges like affordable housing, mental health stigma, and access to fresh food.

Taking the stage were esteemed panelists from organizations, including FIFA, Morgan Stanley, City National Bank of Florida, and Florida International University, offering invaluable feedback to the young entrepreneurs. These interactions not only bolster the students‘ confidence but also reinforce the program’s aim: to equip those from resource-limited backgrounds with high-quality summer learning opportunities.

Empowering Future Leaders

Founded with a mission to provide access and opportunities, Achieve Miami works closely with underperforming schools to serve thousands of students who often lack adequate resources and support. Spanning four core programs—Achieve Saturdays, Achieve Music, Achieve Summer, and Achieve Scholars—the organization integrates academic knowledge with peer mentoring and leadership opportunities to make education engaging and effective. Since its inception in 2015, Achieve Miami has positively impacted over 10,000 students across 17 communities in South Florida, as detailed by Give Miami Day.

The immense effort put into these programs is paying off, as they not only boost learning outcomes but also foster important life skills. As students spend an average of 85% of their waking hours outside formal schooling by age 18, this blended approach to education is vital for their overall growth and engagement in community. Research shows that quality afterschool and summer programs facilitate skill development and healthy relationships while supporting academic progress. The National Association of State Boards of Education highlights the critical role that these programs play, especially amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The Future of Afterschool Funding

While Achieve Miami’s initiatives shine bright, a wider concern looms for afterschool programs across the nation. Prior to the pandemic, an astounding 24.7 million students lacked access to these essential learning opportunities, and a significant disparity persists between higher and lower-income families regarding afterschool activity participation. With chronic absenteeism soaring to 28% among public school students in 2022, the necessity for engaging programs is more pressing than ever. Federal funding for afterschool initiatives has stagnated over the last two decades, making the work of organizations like Achieve Miami all the more critical. As funding discussions continue, it’s clear that public support remains strong, with over 80% of voters considering afterschool programs essential for community well-being.

As we celebrate the achievements of the students at the Achieve Summer Showcase, we must also reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to enriching educational programs. There’s something to be said for nurturing the talents of our youth, and with collective support and sustainable funding, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all of Miami’s students.