Every year, Full Sail students compete for scholarships by presenting real-world solutions to industry leaders in the Full Sail Means Business Pitch Competition. Students from 14 different programs submitted proposals in the 2021 competition. Ten finalists were selected, and three winners took home scholarships totaling over $40,000.

“The Full Sail Means Business Pitch Competition gives students an opportunity to solve real-world challenges faced by leaders in the industry. By participating, students have a chance to present to a board of entertainment and media professionals and receive instant feedback. It’s a lot like Shark Tank,” explains Victoria Wasinger, the Program Director for Full Sail’s Entertainment Business and Business Intelligence graduate programs.

Five companies (AEG Live, Orlando Venues, Enzian Theatre, FlipaClip, and WMFE/NPR) from different industry sectors presented challenges for students to solve. The $20,000 first place scholarship went to Film Production MFA student David Kloehr, who pitched a solution for the Enzian. David was mentored by Creative Writing bachelor’s Associate Course Director Justin Brozanski.

First place winner David Kloehr and second place winner Annaka Willis.

The $15,000 second place scholarship went to Computer Animation bachelor’s student Annaka Willis, who pitched a solution for FlipaClip. Annaka was mentored by Entertainment Business bachelor’s Department Chair Niki Bathke.

The third place $10,000 scholarship went to Jason Holmes, a Creative Writing master’s student and Film bachelor’s alum, who pitched a solution for WMFE/NPR. Jason was mentored by Sports Marketing & Media bachelor’s Course Director Alex Vergara.

“We were thrilled to see students from so many different programs compete this year. The variety of programs represented shows how important business acumen is no matter what field of study a student chooses to pursue,” says Victoria.

Full Sail congratulates all of the participants and winners from this year’s pitch competition.