“It was one of the best days of my life … if I could go back in time I would replay that day over and over again.”
These are the words of a Grade 6 student at Brooklyn Elementary in Comox after participating in a Showcase for PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, a dynamic educational program that challenges youth in Grades 4 to 8 to start up and run their own businesses. Since January, 12 Vancouver Island classes have benefitted from this hands-on program through a sponsorship with Coastal Community Credit Union.
“PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs inspires young people to explore their talents, interests and abilities,” said Allyson Prescesky, manager of community experience and
communications. “The challenge of building a successful business is very exciting and provides the opportunity for students to discover the relevancy of subjects like math and
language arts. At Coastal Community Credit Union we believe that helping youth tap into their natural passion for learning in this way contributes to the betterment of our communities.”
According to teachers, the opportunity to take charge of their own business ventures gave the young entrepreneurs the drive to produce their most creative work.
Brooklyn students utilized technology by creating online market research surveys to solicit product feedback from prospective customers and blogging about their experiences on their class website.
The highlight of the program is the Young Entrepreneur Show where students sell products to friends, family and the school community. This year’s fresh crop of
handcrafted items included 'bombarding birdfeeders,' cat toys, feather pens and earrings, piñatas, decorative chalkboards, sweet stuffed owl pillows and card trading games with
original characters.
Afterwards the enterprising students reflect on their experiences and many report that the thrill of earning is only part of the reward.
“What I know about being an entrepreneur is that it is not all about the money,” blogged one Brooklyn student. “It is about learning how to work with money and what it feels like to be an entrepreneur.”
For more information visit www.cccu.ca or www.powerplay4success.com, or contact PowerPlay Strategies at 1-888-880-0816.