Student Feature
Student Success
Technology
Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth.
The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.
Seven student entrepreneurs pitched their ventures to a panel of five judges representing workforce development agencies, community-based organizations, and regional economic development partners. Intentional networking opportunities were built into the day’s agenda, allowing students to connect directly with judges, mentors, and community partners invested in their long-term success.
“These connections are where the real impact happens,” said Katherine Amoukhteh, Director of Career Education and Workforce Development at Coastline College. “Dolphin Tank was designed not just as a pitch event, but as a space where relationships form and doors open.”
Those outcomes are already taking shape. One student entrepreneur is currently interviewing for a manager-level role with The Empowerment Center, and discussions are underway to host future fundraising events—one at Coastline College and another at a ghost kitchen—to showcase and support two student entrepreneurs pursuing careers as professional chefs.
The event was hosted by Michael Sacoto of the Orange County Regional Consortium and featured a keynote presentation by Ryan Foland of the UCI ANTrepreneur Center, who spoke on the importance of communicating with confidence and clarity.
A highlight of the program was an alumni spotlight featuring Adriana De La Rosa, who shared her powerful journey from incarceration and participation in Coastline College’s Hope Scholars Program to becoming a college graduate. Adriana now works part time at Coastline College while completing her bachelor’s degree, offering current students a compelling example of resilience, transformation, and the power of second-chance education.
The panel of judges and community partners included leaders from Strength Based Community Change (SBCC), the OC Workforce Development Board, The Empowerment Center, and Advance OC, underscoring the strength of Coastline College’s regional partnerships.
As part of the event, each participating student received a laptop generously provided by The Empowerment Center and its founder, Tiffany Baker, ensuring students have the tools needed to continue developing their business ideas and career pathways.
“Dolphin Tank proves that great ideas can come from anywhere when students are given a place that believes in them, supports them, and allows their entrepreneurial ideas to grow,” said Dr. Justin White, Coastline College faculty lead for the program.
The Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition reflects Coastline College’s commitment to equity driven workforce education, community partnership, and turning education into meaningful outcomes for students.
For more information about this program or other apprenticeships, please contact Katherine Amoukhteh, Program Director, at kamoukhteh@coastline.edu.
