RCSD Students Dive Into “Shark Tank”, Empowering Student Voice and Collaboration for Improving School Climate

Students from 16 Rochester City School District middle and high schools will be presenting their “Shark Tank” proposals to RCSD Executive Cabinet members, directors within the RCSD, and Center for Youth Executive Director Elaine Spaull.

Who:  Students from 16 RCSD middle and high schools  

What:  Student Voice “Shark Tank” Presentations  

When:  Friday, April 19, 2024, 8 a.m.    

Where:  RCSD Central Office  131 West Broad Street  Conference Room 3A/3B  Rochester, NY 14614 

Students from 16 Rochester City School District middle and high schools will be presenting their “Shark Tank” proposals to RCSD Executive Cabinet members, directors within the RCSD, and Center for Youth Executive Director Elaine Spaull.   

Inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” these student presentations are a culmination of extensive research and collaboration with RocRestorative to address a wide range of issues facing students and schools today including; mental health, improving school environment, and calm down spaces for students to use.  The intent of these presentations is for students to use their voices to advocate for projects they believe will positively impact their school communities. 

Students will introduce their proposed projects; each backed by thorough research and needs assessments conducted within their respective schools.  These presentations/speeches, lasting between 2 to 5 minutes, will outline the significance of their projects and their potential to address identified needs.   

After the presentations, students will be awarded funds from $3,000 to $7,000 to implement their projects.   The money comes from the District’s allotment of the American Rescue Plan, funds from the federal government given to districts across the country to support student needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.