Shark Tank spotlight

One idea can change everything

For 100 years, participants in the Perkins International Educational Leadership Program (ELP) have traveled from across the globe to take part in an immersive education experience on our campus.

Perkins Shark Tank is part of the ELP experience: an opportunity to design an innovative project, work with a mentor to develop a pitch, and present to investors with the power to turn a big dream into a big change for children. 

Perkins Shark Tank matches innovative ideas to help children with disabilities learn with investment capital to make these ideas a reality. These leaders return home with world class training and a supportive global network, ready to teach children, change policy, and help build inclusive education for all children. 

Female working on an assistive device with the words a good idea accross the screen
Watch how these ideas are changing the world.
Play video opens video player in modal dialog

Shark Tank highlights

For 5 years, the generosity of Shark Tank donors has provided 45 grants to 25 countries. Here are some highlights from past Shark Tank projects.

Nikolina pushing a wheelchair delivering flowers

Transition program, Croatia

Nikolina Juric, Class of 2016

Nikolina developed a comprehensive program that provides vocational and independent living services that continues to thrive today.

Mother and child sit together

Parent and teacher training, Malawi

Ausward Siwinda, Class of 2019

Ausward’s program provided training for parents and teachers of students with disabilities who were left out. His initiative was expanded and children are now attending school.

Tuti smiles at a child giving her a plant.

Transforming an orphanage, Indonesia

Tuti Hendrawati, Class of 2018

Tuti has transformed her orphanage to a quality education and community outreach program, building a supportive system with children at the center.

Create an assistive device center, Egypt

Samir Ashmawy, Class of 2018

Samir’s project focused on creating adaptive equipment to help children with disabilities access their learning environment.

A young boy sits while reading a book

Resource room in public school, Dominican Republic

Benita Gonzalez, Class of 2017

Benita created a model resource room for students with disabilities in a public school in collaboration with the government.

Identification for learners who are deafblind, Kenya

Enock Ombok, Class of 2018

Enock further established the proper assessment of students with deafblindness in order for them to be placed in programs that meet their needs.

Learn more about the Shark Tank projects of this year’s class