UW Student-Led SparkTank Project Selects Laramie Nonprofit Finalists for Competition

University of Wyoming Ethics Club members selected four Albany County nonprofit organizations to participate in the spring semester SparkTank competition for the chance to receive funds from the student-led project.

Club members recently met to view and discuss the SparkTank 2024 nomination videos for next spring’s “Shark Tank”-style competition, an annual event hosted by the UW College of Business. The competition is tailored for nonprofit organizations and engages UW Ethics Club students to strategically determine the allocation of funds raised by both the Ethics Club and “Sales Seminar” students.

The four finalists are SAFE Project, Laramie Interfaith, Stork Support and Tele-Hope. They went through a rigorous selection process from a pool of highly deserving organizations, says Kent Noble, UW Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Faculty Fellow and an Ethics Club adviser.

“Albany County is truly privileged to host such a thriving nonprofit community, and we express our sincere appreciation for the impactful work our nonprofit partners contribute to this space,” says McKenna Kail, UW Ethics Club president from Lander.

Each year, Ethics Club students invite all Albany County-based nonprofits -- focusing on essential needs, such as food, shelter, safety and clothing -- to submit applications to receive funds. The comprehensive process encompasses soliciting nominations; receiving pitches from the nonprofits; selecting the finalists; making on-site visits; participating in an on-campus question-and-answer session; and receiving guidance for presentations. The final step culminates with the “Shark Tank”-style competition.

“Since its inception six years ago, SparkTank has evolved into a cornerstone for supporting charitable causes, raising an impressive $400,000 that has positively impacted 20 nonprofit organizations,” Noble says. “The clarity and passion in their presentations resonated deeply with our students. It is abundantly clear that the causes they champion hold immense importance, and their unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.”

SparkTank 2024 is scheduled Thursday, April 25, at UW’s Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to witness each finalist secure a portion of the funds raised by UW’s Ethics Club and ‘Sales Seminar’ students, making this event a powerful catalyst for positive change,” Noble says.

For more information, email Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu.