High School Students with Learning Differences Shine in Biz Kidz Pitch Competition
At Educational Pathways Academy (EPA), a private school in Florida serving students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, a cornerstone of our high school experience is our Art Career Education Studies (ACES) Program. ACES provides specialized, arts-centered electives designed to nurture students’ creativity, develop practical skills, and explore career pathways tailored to their unique strengths.
Recently, students in our ACES’ entrepreneurship class put their lessons into action by participating in a Biz Kidz Pitch Competition. They developed and presented original business ideas ranging from baking and jewelry making to performing, car detailing, and more. As part of their presentations, many students provided samples of their products to the judges, and each team shared a PowerPoint they had created to showcase their business plan. After the pitches, judges asked thoughtful questions about their concepts, giving students an authentic experience in presenting and supporting their ideas.
Entrepreneurship is often a natural fit for individuals with learning disabilities. Research shows that 40% of entrepreneurs identify as dyslexic, and dyslexic adults are five times more likely to start their own businesses. We clearly saw that reflected in our students’ creativity and problem-solving skills.
We are grateful to JD Ribali of Biz Kidz and Young Entrepreneurs And Rising Stars and our wonderful panel of judges, who went above and beyond, offering meaningful feedback, practical business insight, and even community connections to help students continue developing their ideas. We also extend a special thanks to our Director of ACES, Mrs. Shelby Wandrey, for faithfully guiding and supporting our students throughout this experience.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and heart our students poured into their business ventures. Watching them present and bring their ideas to life was a powerful reminder of what happens when students with learning differences are given opportunities to leverage their unique strengths.
