The Harrington Foundation Launches Inaugural Summer Entrepreneurship Program
June 9, 2026 – TAMPA, FL – The Harrington Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to turning young dreamers into doers, officially launched its inaugural Summer Entrepreneurship Program — Edition I, Class of 2026. After receiving 178 applications from aspiring young entrepreneurs across the country, 30 exceptional students between the ages of 12 and 18 were selected to participate in a transformative, completely free eight-week virtual program beginning June 8, 2026.
Before the first class even begins, every student was challenged to raise $100 on their own — and every single one of them met the goal. Several students have already formed LLCs. This cohort isn’t studying entrepreneurship. They’re living it.
“The best entrepreneurs aren’t the ones with the best plans — they’re the ones who actually start. These 30 students didn’t wait to be told to begin. That tells me everything.” — Kevin Harrington, Founder | Original Shark®, Inventor of the Infomercial
Special Guest: Anthony Sullivan, The Pitchman
The program kicked off in style. Television personality and legendary pitchman Anthony Sullivan made a special appearance for the first class on June 8th, setting the tone for a cohort that is anything but ordinary. Sullivan’s appearance is a powerful reminder to students that real-world entrepreneurial success is accessible — and it starts right now.
Action Over Theory: A Curriculum Built to Challenge
Unlike traditional entrepreneurship programs built on theory and case studies, The Harrington Foundation’s program is relentlessly hands-on. Every week, students are given real challenges and measurable goals — not just lessons to absorb, but actions to take.
The eight-week curriculum is facilitated by The Lemonade Standers™ — curriculum partners Julie Bennett and Emily French, experienced instructors in Financial Literacy and Credit who have spent months immersing themselves in the Kevin Harrington methodology to design a program that truly moves students forward. Their game-based, youth-centered approach blends live sessions, hot seats, peer feedback, and weekly action challenges that build real entrepreneurial habits.
Adding a forward-thinking edge, the program also incorporates an Artificial Intelligence component, equipping students with practical AI skills that are increasingly essential in today’s business landscape.
Capstone Pitch Event — July 29th at ARK Innovation
The program culminates on Wednesday, July 29th 2026, with a live Capstone Pitch Event at ARK Innovation. Friends, family, mentors, and media are all invited to attend as students deliver their final pitches before a live audience.
The standout student will receive a cash prize and — the ultimate reward — personal mentorship from Kevin Harrington himself. For a young entrepreneur, there is no greater launchpad.
About The Harrington Foundation
The Harrington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — a project of Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc. — dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Founded by Kevin Harrington, the Original Shark® and inventor of the infomercial with over $6 billion in global product sales, the Foundation provides free, virtual, challenge-based entrepreneurship education to young people across America. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178).
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Media Contact
Company Name: Harrington Foundation
Contact Person: Wendy LaTorre
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Country: United States
Website: https://harringtonfoundation.org/
