Chelmsford High students compete in “Shark Tank”
in News
Entrepreneurship class identifies real-world problems and develops creative solutions
CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Nov. 20, 2025) – Are you a young adult who struggles with keeping track of your finances? Do you oftentimes find yourself lacking the motivation to study?
Students in Chelmsford High School’s Entrepreneurship class have taken real-world problems just like these and developed creative solutions. On Friday, Nov. 7, they pitched their ideas to a panel of judges in a “Shark Tank”-style competition.
The project-based learning exercise was developed by the DifferenceMaker program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
The collaboration between CHS, the Manning School of Business at UMass Lowell and the DifferenceMaker program has provided students an opportunity to experience working as a team in a challenging environment and develop the confidence to pitch their idea to a panel of judges.
“This has become an unbelievably beneficial relationship for us,” said Tom Sousa, business education teacher at CHS.
This year, six teams pitched projects. They included:
- ULU, an AI-powered goal and productivity system.
- Hall Pass Heroes, a fantasy football-inspired game to help encourage and motivate teenagers to study.
- Gryd Fitness, an app to track calories and exercise in order to make it easier for people to lose weight or bulk up.
- Wallet Watch, an app that educates users about financial literacy and helps them manage their spending.
- Fresh Path Initiative, a program designed to help curb underage drinking among high school students.
- R.O.A.M., an app aimed at motivating its users to get off the couch and get active.
Judges for the competition were Jaunita Green, youth business specialist with MassHire Greater Lowell; Kathryn Sullivan, CHS social studies teacher; Gerry Nutter, liaison for youth business development with MassHire Greater Lowell; Jessica Ferronetti, CHS Spanish teacher; and CHS Principal Stephen Murray.
Following the presentations, the judges deliberated and recognized Fresh Path Initiative as the top performing team, comprising senior David Pham, junior Amy Gitau and sophomore Manny Guzman. The group advanced to the 7th annual UMass Lowell High School Rocket Pitch competition, which was held on Nov. 12.
About Chelmsford Public Schools
The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.
