Rural Reimagined Student Success Story

Brandon Pierce, a TN Tech Interdisciplinary Studies senior, is the winner of the 2022 Eagle Works competition at Tennessee Technological University! The 9th annual Eagle Works competition took place on Saturday April 9th, 2022, in the Bell Hall Auditorium. Twelve student-led teams from across campus pitched their ideas to a Shark-Tank style panel of judges for the chance to win part of the prize pool worth over $13,000 in donor-funded scholarships. 

Brandon Pierce entered his business, Pure Legacy- Future Innovators, and received first place in the competition. Operating under Pierce’s Pure Legacy LLC company, Future Innovators is a non-profit STEM education company that provides free STEM materials to community events, centers, and STEM events, as well as free one-on-one tutoring. Currently, Pierce’s company is closing on a partnership that will help to offer STEM activities in three different after-school programs. 

Pierce began his business venture because he was passionate about bringing STEM resources to students of the Upper Cumberland region and inspiring them to pursue STEM-related opportunities. He explains, “I wish I had something creative to participate in as a kid. Future Innovators will not only provide a creative outlet for children in this area, but it will also address and supply the need for STEM trained workers in today’s labor force.” Brandon emphasizes the importance of Pure Legacy- Future Innovators, “Access and opportunities from STEM education is critical for rural students. STEM occupation is the 6th fasting growing industry in the southern U.S.” 

Pierce encourages others to participate in the Eagle works competition next year. He states, “Eagle works allows the students the opportunity to pitch their ideas and receive helpful feedback to better achieve their entrepreneurial goals. It also connects students with others interested in the same business or product idea.” Eagle works is an amazing opportunity for students of any major, experience, or background. If you have a unique idea you would like to research, develop, and make possible, please consider entering next year’s Eagle works competition. 

Congratulations to Brandon Pierce for his win at the TN Tech 2022 Eagle Works competition! He is an inspiration to confidently make a difference and always #LiveWingsUp!