Savannah State University (SSU) students have secured second place at the Social Entrepreneurship and STEM Pitch Competition held at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. The team, consisting of Ahmad Heaggans, Nehemiah Shanks, Morgan Snipes, and Mikalah Parks, competed against six teams and earned a $1,000 prize along with advancement to the regional round.
The SSU students presented a business concept called Empower Migrate. Their project focused on addressing challenges faced by homeless shelters through a technology-based solution. To inform their work, the team interviewed staff at Union Mission, a local Savannah shelter, and toured its facility to observe operations and identify areas where technology could help.
Based on their research, the students developed an app designed to assist shelters in managing and tracking client services such as housing, employment support, length of stay, daycare access, and documentation needs like licenses and social security information. Although inspired by Union Mission’s needs, the app is intended for use by shelters facing similar challenges elsewhere.
With this achievement, the SSU team will advance to regionals where they will compete against teams from Clayton State University, Florida A&M University, and Alabama A&M University.
Dr. Carmella Lennon-Hill served as mentor and advisor for the student team. She said: “Her continued commitment to student success and innovation has helped strengthen the university’s visibility and competitiveness in statewide and regional pitch events.”
The College of Business Administration at SSU continues to provide students with practical skills through opportunities such as pitch competitions. These experiences aim to build confidence and leadership among students preparing for careers in business and entrepreneurship.
