Fifth-graders are starting their own businesses at Patrick M. Villano School. You may be thinking, “What?” It’s part of Trep$. TREP$ is short for enTREPreneur$.
“I want to have products that people have that would make me shocked,” Christian Velez, a fifth grader in the program, said. “The most I’d pay would be about $5, but it has to be really cool.”
According to the TREP$ website, it is a “project-based learning program that teaches kids in grades 4-8 how to start their own businesses. They learn the lessons in classroom or after school workshops, and apply them at home as they build their businesses with the support of their families. The whole school community comes out to enjoy the TREP$ Marketplace, held right at the school, where the young entrepreneurs launch their businesses together.”
Students are working with a budget of $35.
“I like when there is something that is very popular like toys that sells a lot but also something not a lot people are doing,” Cate Gullucci said. Gallucci is the fifth-grade teacher who organizes the TREP$ Marketplace each year for students. “Also, I like that kids get super excited about learning how to own a business and make money.”
Teachers and students will shop in the all-purpose room later this month for student-made items.
“I usually buy things that are about $2 to $3,” Erin Amicucci said. She is a special education teacher. “The most I’ve ever spent was probably $5. I always have a lot of keys, so I’d want to see someone make a keychain, and I’d pay about $2 to $5 for it depending on size.”
