No Sharks Here

You’ve probably heard of “Shark Tank,” but have you heard of Philanthropy Tank? The West Palm Beach-based nonprofit organization’s mission is to challenge, equip and empower the next generation of changemakers to come up with ways to solve community problems.

Thousands of Palm Beach County students between 8th and 12th grade submitted their ideas. Six finalists will compete for up to $15,000 in funding on April 11, when they make their presentations. Three local teens (two from Boca Raton and one from Highland Beach) are among those chosen.

Growing Native Oases Made for Engagement (GNOME): Mallory Thomas (11th, Boca Raton), Anna Jarvis (11th, Boca Raton), Elise Sigel (12th, Highland Beach) and Alyssa Jiggetts (11th, Coconut Creek) from FAU High School. GNOME will create community butterfly gardens in underserved communities in Palm Beach County and eventually expand to more public locations. 

Other ideas include teaching students about eco-friendly alternatives to their current clothing purchase; tutoring underprivileged students and providing them with school supplies; decreasing teen vape use by educating students and advocating for an increase in the proximity between vape shops and schools; supporting low-income  middle school students interested in the arts by offering workshops, supplies and mentorship; and providing foster kids with a travel/duffle bag, throw blanket and toiletry bag to help them through transitions.

Visit philanthropytank.org.