| Deadline extended to noon on Wednesday, March 11. |
Have an idea that could transform teaching and learning at Austin Community College (ACC)? The inaugural Spark Tank Pitch Competition invites faculty to pitch bold, equity-driven teaching proposals centered on innovation, inclusion, and creativity.
Spark Tank Pitch Competition
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus (Building 2000, Presentation Hall, Room 1550)
This Shark Tank–style event reimagines a traditional grant process as a high-energy professional learning experience. Faculty submit an intent to pitch, receive targeted “pitch coaching,” and then present live for a chance to secure direct grant funding.
Pitch Your Big Idea
The Spark Tank Pitch Competition is designed to turn a bureaucratic process into a dynamic learning and networking experience, one that embeds innovation and creativity into ACC’s professional development culture. Successful pitches should align with the innovation, inclusion, and creativity pillars and include a strategy for execution and sustainability.
How the competition works:
- All ACC faculty are invited to submit an intent to pitch.
- Pitch teams are chaired by a faculty member, but can include faculty, staff, and students.
- Selected submissions will then be supported by a “pitch coaching” session held in March to help hone presentation and defense skills.
- The live pitch competition will feature presentations and negotiations.
- Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for the winning teams and influence the Sharks’ decision.
- Grant winners will be announced live during the Spark Tank event.
Pitch proposals will be assessed using four key criteria:
- Innovation & Creativity
- Inclusion & Equity Impact
- Scalability & Sustainability
- Budget Clarity & Persuasion
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to test a new idea, scale an inclusive practice, or prototype something bold, this is it! Pitch proposals must be submitted by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.
For questions, contact the Faculty Center for Learning Innovation (FCLI) at [email protected].