Mon May 12 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **Howard University Students Win $1 Million Goldman Sachs Grant**
NEW YORK, NY – A team of five Howard University students has secured a $1 million grant for their university after winning the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition. The victory marks the second consecutive year an HBCU has taken home the top prize, following Spelman College’s win in 2024.
Keyla Arrechea, Jordan Atkins, Aaron Harrison, Kadijah Mansaray, and Jada Rabun, impressed judges with their innovative business plan for Amer Sports. Despite being mostly first-semester students when the program began, the team outperformed eleven other HBCU teams, culminating in a live pitch at Goldman Sachs’ New York headquarters.
Their winning strategy focused on launching adaptive athletic wear under Amer Sports’ Arc’teryx brand, targeting the accessibility market and launching ahead of the 2026 Paralympic Games. This unique product-focused proposal stood out from the other predominantly acquisition-focused pitches. The comprehensive plan incorporated market research, financial forecasting, and SWOT analysis, showcasing the strong analytical skills developed through Howard University’s School of Business and its 21st Century Advantage Program.
Beyond academics, the students boast impressive leadership experience both on and off campus. The team’s success underscores the important role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play in nurturing future Black leaders in business and innovation. With future plans spanning investment banking, private equity, and technology, these students are poised to make significant contributions to their chosen fields.
First Piper 