Founded in 2017, the yearly Pitch Johnny is a yearly university-wide pitch competition sponsored by the Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS). The contest allows all St. John’s University students to pitch an idea via an online video, whether it be a new product, business, or service. This competition allows for the free expression of ideas with the hope that the best ideas with the support of the university can become a reality.
University Students interested in competing must submit a video pitch and a one-paragraph description of their idea on the pitch johnny website: www.stjohns.edu/pitchjohnny by October 22nd, 2021.
High School Students interested in competing must submit their video pitch and one paragraph description of their idea on the pitch johnny website: www.stjohns.edu/pitchjohnny by October 29th, 2021.
What makes this year’s competition special?
- This year’s competition will be held in a primarily online format. (The Final Round will be held on the Queens Campus, but participants may compete remotely if they wish)
- The competition will be split into 3 rounds and there will be a special online popular vote held during Round 2, where anyone from the community can view our finalists online and electronic vote for who they believe delivered the best pitch.
- This Year Pitch Johnny will contain 3 divisions, a For Profit Division, a Non-for-Profit/Social Entrepreneurship division and a special High School Division.
- This year, the competition will be celebrating 5 years at the university.
Past winners have gone on to advance their ideas/businesses in phenomenal ways:
- Alexandria Duruji, Collins College of Professional Studies, Health and Human Services Major & Magdelene Barjolo, St. John's College, Psychology, 1st Place 2018, Competition
Company: Sending Her Essentials: https://www.sendingheressentials.org/
Alexandria and Magdelene, won our second competition back in 2018 and went on to use the momentum to place second in the Big East Start Up Challenge a regional competition where they won $3,000. Their non-for-profit is dedicated to uplifting women by advocating for equal access to menstrual health products, education, and de-stigmatizing the period.
- Despina Kotsis, St. John's College, Speech Pathology, 3rd Place, 2018 Competition: Staten Island Student
Company: Minx New York: https://minxnewyork.com/
Despina is a two-time Pitch Johnny participant, a 3rd place winner in the 2018 competition, who has been widely successful with her fashion clothing line: Minx New York. Inspired the vibe and culture of NYC. Her constant participation in Pitch Johnny has allowed her to gain valuable feedback and insight. Her business has been featured in various news outlets, including: Greek Outlet and Teen Vogue
Prizes: Finalists will have the chance to earn the following prizes:
|
For Profit Division |
Not-for-Profit Division |
High School Division |
|
1st Prize: $1,000 2nd Prize: $500 3rd Prize: $250 |
1st Prize: $1,000 2nd Prize: $500 3rd Prize: $250 |
1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $100 |
Please discuss all opportunities with a parent/guardian.
For more information on this year’s competition, feel free to visit: www.stjohns.edu/pitchjohnny