Young entrepreneurs open their own businesses
Students sell their wares to the public at school-based marketplace Lafayette Over the past six weeks, 34 children at Lafayette Township School, in fourth- through seventh-grades, have been participating in the award-winning TREP$ Young Entrepreneur Program, where they have learned the basics of entrepreneurship. On Tuesday evening, May 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., they will put all they have learned into action as they sell the products they have created and launch their very own businesses. The TREP$ Marketplace is a unique vendor event because all of the vendors are school children. Something for everyone Some of the businesses the students created are: Fabulous Faces (face painting), Lauren’s Tie-Dye Tees, Max’s Confetti Eggs, Tropical Breeze Spa Body Lotions; Wee Bee Friends (handmade beeswax candles), Daniel’s Doggie Digs, Cake-A-Million, Chocolate Chicks, Brookie’s Fudge Cookies, Cisco’s Soda Shoppe and many more. Sponsored by the Lafayette Township School PTO, Lafayette Education Foundation (LEAF) and the Rotary, the TREP$ program is designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and put their ideas into action by inventing their own businesses. Research by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation finds that 41 percent of children ages 9 to 12 have a desire to own their own business and be their own boss. “TREP$ takes that desire and turns it into a concrete learning experience from which the kids learn in so many ways,” said TREP$ co-founder Hayley Romano. Pamela deWaal, Romano’s partner agrees. “Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense over their lives and futures,” deWaal said. “With the support of the community, the young participants of TREP$ will learn the value of creativity, motivation and hard work.” Check it out The TREP$ Marketplace at Lafayette Township School will be open to the public on May 19 from 630 to 8:30 p.m. The school is located at 187 Beaver Run Rd. Cash only. For more information on the TREP$ program, visit www.TREPSed.com