by Molly Sullivan

It started with brainstorming about problems, thinking of new ideas, and discussions of being your own boss. In one of the more rural areas of North Dakota, ideas came to life as nearly 50 students in grades 3-6 from two communities brought their ideas to life. Through this collaboration, student imaginations came alive with ideas, and the results were amazing!

For six weeks, these students discussed different aspects of being an entrepreneur, selected a project which would serve as their start-up business, designed the layout for the product they were developing, and created the physical product. The projects ranged from lemonade stands to board games, bird houses, and an original dance CD.

During the development and creation process, the students also learned about cost-profit analysis, marketing strategies including the creation of their own web page, and the importance of teamwork in a business setting.

At the final “End of Year Bash” students who worked on lemonade stand projects came together to sell lemonade. One enthusiastic young student took the construction of the lemonade stand to the highest level by constructing a 7 x 10 foot lemonade stand from scrap lumber with help from his father. And the lemonade was top-notch with fresh lemons added to each glass. Gallons of lemonade sold for $.25 a glass.

Being entrepreneurs in the true sense of the word, all students took part in producing a CD featuring interviews of the students explaining their projects, performing, and advertising the “End of Year Bash”. The final production of the video was sold by the students at the Bash.

The students were all very innovative, many designing not only practical, but very artistic products as well. One of the most impressive businesses established during the Marketplace for Kids program was the lemonade stand. This was a group eff ort from the students and although challenging at times, they all developed outstanding teamwork and leadership skills. Not only was their ability to work together to coordinate a business at an event impressive, but their decision to donate all of profits to the school nurse who was battling cancer was extremely inspiring. Nearly $150 was donated to the Ft. Yates Elementary School Nurse. These students are true servant leaders and have a bright entrepreneurial future ahead of them!

As in all entrepreneurial activities, there were some hurdles along the path to success. A few of the stumbling blocks along the way included the transition from the mental or drawn conception of the product to the physical construction. Creating the displays and websites also had their challenging moments, as deep questions were asked of the students that forced them to think about their projects on a higher level. Throughout these challenges the students learned the importance of communication, compromise, and most importantly a positive attitude! Even though we did experience these hardships along the way, the support staff from Marketplace for Kids and both schools helped move the students beyond these hurdles and in the end create very successful products.

Living in a rural community where imagination should be an integral part of childhood, it can be stifled by lack of resources and encouragement. Through the efforts of energetic leaders, these students thrived and excelled in their innovative thinking process turning ordinary household items and beginning business ideas into a successful adventure. They excelled in teamwork while exploring their own individuality on projects.

This programming was piloted by Marketplace for Kids, a unique educational program off ering encouragement for developing young entrepreneurs. In this pilot program, the focus was on students in grades 3 through middle school, with the intention of stimulating entrepreneurial thought and activity in the youth of the region. The Fort Yates and Selfridge schools were selected for this pilot program.

While Marketplace for Kids provided the learning experiences, the program worked in conjunction with the Standing Rock “Night Lights” program. “Night Lights” provides service to approximately 500 students on the Standing Rock Reservation each school year. Enrollment includes students from Standing Rock Grant School, Fort Yates Public School, St. Bernard’s Mission School, Solen/Cannonball Public School, and Selfridge Public School.

The goals of the “Night Lights” program are to address academic underachievement and provide after-school supervision; expand educational and cultural opportunities; provide a safe, drug-free environment for Standing Rock children and their families; provide motivating, hands-on, culturally relevant activities that are linked to the regular school day; and to provide educational continuity and success for all students. “Night Lights” is supported by the 21st Century After School Federal Grant Project.

Marketplace for Kids encourages youth to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment through recognition and development of their inventive, creative thinking, and problem solving skills. Nine Educational Days highlighting the successes of participants’ projects are held throughout the state. These Education Days provide a forum to present and explain their projects which are demonstrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity.

Marketplace for Kids also provides a variety of classes and educational exhibits to help young people develop their business skills, enhance personal development, and build friendships with other future leaders. Marketplace for Kids demonstrates the special role of youth in improving the economic future of our communities.