During the 2026 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, four of the five finalist teams came from the Greater Hazleton Area. Thomas Nowak, a senior at Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, presented Shadow Reality, an immersive, AI-guided VR platform that provides high school students with hands-on skilled trade simulations, while connecting them to career pathways and supporting workforce development at no cost to schools. To recognize this achievement, we spoke with Thomas to learn more about his journey so far.
For those who may not know you, please share your full name, the school you represent, and why you chose to participate in this year’s competition.
My name is Thomas Nowak, and I am a senior at the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. I chose to participate in this year’s competition because I identified a real problem within my school community that I wanted to solve. This competition gave me the opportunity to turn that idea into something meaningful while also gaining experience in entrepreneurship and learning what it takes to build a business.
How does it feel to represent the Hazleton community?
It is an absolute honor to represent the Hazleton community, considering it’s where I’ve grown up. Because my project is designed to help students in my own community, especially those with limited access to career exploration opportunities, it feels especially meaningful. I’m proud to represent the people who have supported me, and I hope to eventually bring my platform to students in the Hazleton area.
What does this opportunity mean to you?
This opportunity means a lot to me because of everything I’ve learned along the way. I’ve had the chance to meet mentors, judges, and other professionals who have given me valuable advice, not just about my business, but about life and future goals. It has also helped me build confidence in my presentation and communication skills, which will be important for my future.
Can you describe your journey to reaching this stage of the competition?
My journey began last year during a session of Junior Leadership Hazleton, where we were tasked with developing a business idea. From there, I knew I wanted to take it further in this competition. With the help of my economics class, I built a full business plan, and throughout the process, my mentors from CAN DO and CAN BE provided guidance, feedback, and support. Each stage of the competition helped me grow, from developing financials to refining my presentation, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of my mentors, family, and friends.
What advice would you give to students interested in joining the High School Business Plan Competition next year?
My advice would be to just go for it. Even if you’re unsure about your idea, every concept has value and can grow into something bigger. Don’t be discouraged—this competition is an incredible learning experience, and no matter how far you go, you’ll gain knowledge, confidence, and connections that will benefit you in the future.
For more information about tecBRIDGE’s High School Business Plan Competition, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
