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Youth Leadership Initiative
Developing capable, confident leaders through real-world experience.
At The G.A.M.E., youth empowerment is built into everything we do.
Our Youth Initiative has two tracks: structured leadership participation in the event itself, and Shark Tank Jr. — a competitive entrepreneurship experience where young people pitch real business ideas for real money.
Shark Tank Jr.
Every edition of The G.A.M.E. features Shark Tank Jr. — a live entrepreneurship pitch competition where middle and high school students from across the DMV compete for real money, a real market, and a real shot at launching their business.
Young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas live to a panel of judges in front of families, community members, and local business owners. One winner walks away with a cash prize and a vendor booth at The G.A.M.E. — where they sell their product directly to thousands of people for the very first time.
This is not a classroom exercise. This is real stakes, real feedback, and real opportunity.
Our inaugural competition in April 2026 drew seven competitors representing businesses across fashion, technology, wellness, education, and creative services. The $500 prize was funded entirely out of pocket by the three co-founders of The G.A.M.E. — because we believe in these young people enough to invest our own money.
Event Coordination
Beyond Shark Tank Jr., The G.A.M.E. invites middle and high school students to participate directly in the planning and execution of the event.
This is structured participation — not passive volunteering.
Students engage in event planning support, marketing outreach, guest engagement, vendor coordination, stage and program assistance, and entrepreneurship observation.
Youth participants gain community service credit, professional communication skills, exposure to small business operations, confidence, and real leadership experience.
Interested in having your child participate in a future event?
Contact us: greatafricanmarketexperience@gmail.com