Showcase #1 - Matthew DeSantis, Founder & CEO of Teen Think Tank Project

In this episode of the Startup Showcase, Colton sits down with Matt DeSantis, founder of Team Think Tank Project. They discuss Matt's background in the pharmaceutical industry, the inspiration for his company, the importance of having a strong team, the challenges of starting a business, and advice for entrepreneurs. Matt emphasizes the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself when starting any business. His startup, The Teen Think Tank Project, is a student-run research initiative that focuses on finding solutions to real-world problems through fact-based and research-backed methods. Matt was inspired to start the company after his experience in law school and his passion for conflict resolution. The organization's focus is dedicated to helping high school students engage with the opportunity to participate in research and discussion-based projects on current social issues. The program has found success in helping students gain confidence and skills, leading to many of them being accepted into Ivy League schools. The company offers a range of programming, but their main flagship program is the Change Agent Academy, which focuses on various social justice issues and allows students to enroll in cohorts. The future plans for the business include more partnerships and growth in order to become a sustainable and successful company. Teen Think Tank Project has seen a 40% increase in participation since its launch.