2019-2020 // End of Year Report
A global pandemic. Months of civil unrest and resounding calls for racial justice. Political and economic uncertainty like we’ve never seen. In a year in which the blows keep coming, one thing has become clear to me: From top to bottom, we need a total re-imagination of what’s possible.
And on days when my imagination seems stifled – often by the news on my Twitter feed or the realities of virtual learning – I don’t need to look far for a spark. Across the nation, in the streets and in classrooms, we’ve seen young people activate. Using their creativity and the tools at their disposal, students have planned record-breaking protests, supported health care workers with PPE, advocated for changes in on-campus policing, and encouraged conversations around mental health and self-care during this strenuous time. Young people are fighting for their rightful seat at the table – and they have important things to say.
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m with Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Winner, Dave Chappelle. I’m also very proud of the young people of this country. You all are excellent drivers – and it seems time to let you take the wheel. I trust that you’ll continue to steer with your imagination and collective vision for a more just and vibrant future for everyone. As for RWS, we’ll keep learning from you and looking for ways to build that future together.
I WANT TO SHOUT OUT
TO ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE
WHO HAVE HAD THE
COURAGE
TO GO OUT AND DO THIS
AMAZING WORK PROTESTING.
I'M VERY PROUD OF YOU.
YOU KIDS ARE EXCELLENT DRIVERS.
I AM COMFORTABLE IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR, SO CARRY ON YOUNG ONES.”
Executive Director,
Real World Scholars
FIGURES.
DIGITS.
NUMBERS.
6,410
Students
135
Schools
36
Causes Supported
156
EdCorps
29
States
PROFITS.
$48,217.00
Offline Sales
$27,390.74
Online Sales
$75,607.74
Total
Increase in student
self-confidence
88%
Increase in overall student
engagement since introducing
the EdCorps
86%
Report entrepreneurial
mindset
85%
CLASSROOM
SPOTLIGHTS
Over 150 classrooms started businesses this year, using entrepreneurial to connect with their learning and community. We’ve spotlighted eight of the classrooms that inspired us. They reminded us that connection is powerful, transformation is possible, and that we’re all in this together.
At the start of the year, the 5th graders of John T. Waugh Elementary School in Angola, NY were eager to inject some positivity into the classroom community. Issues like bullying are hot topics in elementary schools (and adult spaces) around the country, and these students were no strangers to conflict themselves. So in a mission to spread some self love and cheer, Kind Kids Compliments was born.
The students design and produce necklaces, keychains and magnets with hand drawn uplifting messages as the centerpiece of them all, but the compassionate sentiments aren’t just for products themselves. Students work together to assemble and design the products, teaching one another the processes they may be unfamiliar with along the way. While some brainstorm messaging for products, others cut out designs to pass along to students dealing with hardware, which then move to students responsible for applying the top coat. The process is collaborative from concept to creation.
Creating space for empathy and kindness in the classroom, has also created space for students previously shy to engage out of the shadows. “I had a student work very hard on moving himself up to the management position,” teacher Nicole Wegrezynowski explained, “A quiet student, someone you wouldn't expect. He worked hard and motivated other students to work hard as well.”
KIND KID COMPLIMENTS
$722.52
30
Students
4
Profits
Donations
Nicole herself grew along with her students, finding new strength in her abilities she hadn’t found before. “I thought I couldn’t do it… but I’m doing it. I’m not confident in it, but I’m doing it. I have gotten to the point where... I want other people to feel like they can do it too. I kinda just try things, I’m not afraid anymore.”
As with so many classrooms this year, the unexpected interruption from Covid-19 caused these students to pivot in the Spring. Until school can resume as normal, the students are still dedicated to spreading kindness and comfort in their communities, painting Kind Kids Compliments rocks around their neighborhood to spread cheer for neighbors going on walks, and a brilliant stroke of guerilla marketing.
“I thought I couldn’t do it… but I’m doing it. I’m not confident in it, but I’m doing it. I have gotten to the point where... I want other people to feel like they can do it too. I kinda just try things - I’m not afraid anymore.”
(cont.)
KIND KID COMPLIMENTS
RUSS MICALE
“
EdCorps has been an extremely valuable experience for my students. It has exposed them to the possibilities of entrepreneurship. They were exposed to real-world problems that they needed to find real-world solutions to solve. I can't think of anything more valuable to students. The collaboration and team effort of operating a business brought our class closer together.
”
teacher
As committed co-owners of Fan Faces, it was no surprise that the students behind this EdCorp missed running their business after school closed this Spring. While they had spent most of the school year selling their products (personalized photo cut-outs with your favorite friends or pets, available in fans, posters, and even cupcake toppers), they pushed pause due to COVID-19. But these students didn’t let being at home with their actual families keep them from staying connected to their Fan Faces family.
That’s how Fan Faces works – like a family, one where students feel celebrated, supported, and purposeful. And together, as a well oiled machine, these fifth grade students have sold products throughout their community and online, worked with local retailers and a bakery and even had the chance to partner with a company that shares the students’ love for animals: Barkbox.
Partnering with BarkBox, a monthly subscription service for dog owners, the students designed their own custom boxes with Barkbox Director of Consumer Insights and Advocacy, Alex Gross. Students discussed “marketing, customer service, dog puns, staying on-brand, and giving back to those in need”, according to the BarkBox blog. The students came up with a box theme in keeping with BarkBox product line, designing theme boxes like “Cat vs Dog”, “Sharks” and “Harry Dogger” - inspired by, you guessed it, Harry Potter. After working with Alex and the team at Barkbox, students improved their designs and were able to see their ideas as finished toys!
FAN FACES
$3,121
2017
Established
17
Profits
Students
Teacher Susan Howey reflected, “One of my students struggled quite a bit with attention issues. But I learned that they were ALWAYS focused when we were doing anything with Fan Faces! I believe this to be the case, because they just loved running the business. Collectively, I know that running a business together, creates a tight-knit, collaborative, fun, classroom culture.”
As schools closed this Spring, these student entrepreneurs got creative, finding ways to work at home and navigating important decisions through their online business meetings. During one such meeting, students decided they want to use their profits to support first responders and medical personnel caring for patients affected by COVID-19. They reached out to the Pink Elephant Bakery, a business they already worked with, and ordered several dozen cupcakes to
be delivered to staff of a local ER.
And it seems like the more success these students have found, the more they give back. This year, students have made over $3,000, and supported a variety of causes like All About Animals, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Australian Red Cross to support those who suffered in the Australian brush fires.
“The fact that my students talk about how much they miss Fan Faces and are cutting + laminating at home, says it all. Running our own business has transformed my students, academically, socially, and philanthropically.”
(cont.)
FAN FACES
MATILDA+
NORA+REID
“
“...One piece of advice I have for next year's Fan Faces team, is to never give up. You aren't good at it it...YET!”
“....I learned that a business is not just about work, it's about making relationships.”
“....One piece of advice for next year's Fan Faces team, is to work together because you're going to fall apart if you don't.”
”
students
Last year, John Kopp was ready to try something new with his high school students in Waynesburg, PA. Because many of his students have learning disabilities, they can be in the classrooms for weeks before they feel comfortable conversing with their peers, teachers and counselors. One of John’s biggest goals is to provide them with emotional and social support they need to develop the skills required to return to their designated schools and thrive as adults. Even though it would be a challenge, John knew a student-run business could thrive in his classroom.
When students started Gryphon Student Enterprises, they began with pre-made cutting boards which they customized for each order. Soon, they progressed to making and designing their own cutting boards. Before John knew it, his students were spending their free time in the Fab Lab, working on the business outside of classroom time.
Ethan, a previously reserved student, took to the business and opened up in the process. At a selling event, Ethan took center stage, sharing the business and their cutting boards to a group of 25-30 educators and administrators at a time. The students sold over $300 dollars that day, while talking to prospective buyers for advice and feedback on their products. Among them was Executive Director of UI – an administrator overseeing 25 districts in the state – who was surprised by how quickly the students seemed to have outgrown their small town roots.
GRYPHON STUDENT ENTERPRISES
$303.00
2019
Established
10
Profits
Special Needs Students
“I work with mostly emotional support students, many of them were starting to be comfortable with what we were doing. I definitely saw some amazing growth in a majority of my students. There was a lot of self-esteem growth,” John said.
Like many classrooms, the students had exciting plans for the Spring, which were placed on hold due to COVID-19. Gryphon Student Enterprises had been preparing for IU1’s culinary program “Iron Chef” competition this past Spring, making cutting boards for the competition and prizes for the winners. A local pizza shop was preparing to take orders for cutting boards and has plans to sell cutting boards in-store in store as well once business can resume as usual.
GRYPHON STUDENT ENTERPRISES
“I definitely saw some amazing growth in a majority of my students. There was a lot of self-esteem growth.”
(cont.)
ISH CO.
“
I feel as if our student-led company is very helpful to students that take the class. It teaches responsibility, teamwork, and enhances creativity. I also feel that our teacher does an amazing job with her students and giving them what they need to do our best.
”
students
Gina Wickstead and her 7th grade students knew they needed a product that could appeal to a wide audience; something people all ages could buy. They brainstormed different self-care products before landing on something simple to make and easy to modify, lip balm.
Over the last three years, Beyond SD Lip Balm has kept their product line simple, only developing and adding new products like candles and surf wax this past year. Keeping it simple on the product front allowed students to turn their focus to partnering with their local community. Across Ocean Beach, a beach community in San Diego, you can find their products in places like local coffee shop, OB Beans, which carries the students’ “coffee” lip balm.
The students didn’t just partner with local businesses for sales, but instead collaborated with them to develop the product, getting feedback along the way The students provided businesses with a rubric designed specifically for their feedback to ensure the products would meet (and exceed) expectations.
This feedback proved particularly useful for Kai, a student who worked developing surf wax for local surf shop. Kai struggled with classroom engagement until coming up with the idea for surf wax and taking on a leadership role for the project.
SD LIP BALM
$620.72
56
Students
14
Profits
Product
Making several iterations on the product design and packaging with price point in mind, a local surf repair shop lent a board to Kai to test his product in the classroom before returning to the surf shop with a finished product in hand. “The feedback really motivated them,” said Gina. “The minute they walked out of the store, they wanted to fix everything.”
Working with the community has encouraged students to step up to the helm of the business and lead the selling process from product development with their local business partner, all the way up to product placement in the stores. Leaning in to their growing relationship with their beach community, 10% of all profits from Beyond SD Lip Balm go to local organization “I Love a Clean SD”, dedicated to keeping waterways and beaches clean.
Like so many EdCorps this year, Beyond SD Lip Balm’s goals needed to shift after the spread of Covid-19, with many students hopeful they’ll be able to return next year to keep working on the business. “My whole lot in life as a 7th grade teacher is to keep them excited and wanting to come to school,” said Gina. Mission accomplished.
(cont.)
SD LIP BALM
ADAM GEBHARDT
“
I have been truly impressed by the maturity of some of the students that have engaged in the club. They have so much amazing creativity and such great ideas. So, in many ways, I have learned a lot through them and grown in my abilities to support them and allow them to let their talents show!
”
teacher
Since day one, the students behind Phillips Green Machines (located in Pittsburgh, PA) have committed themselves to sustainability. And because sustainability often starts local, students began on their home turf, collecting waste that could be turned into meaningful products from their very own school, Phillips Elementary.
Teacher and EdCorp founder Jennifer Salzmann, knew she wanted her students to focus on translatable real world skills. So this year, they learned to sew wristlets from recycled chip bags! “I did not know how to sew when I decided to request a sewing machine for our EdCorp to explore sewing in the creation of products. We have learned together and I have begun to feel more confident in my knowledge and skills as do the students. I have been more willing to take risks for the best of the business,” Jen explained. She isn’t the only one.
In addition to learning to sew, the students also learned to read bus routes to get to and from business meetings, and practiced making cold calls in the classroom to local businesses to source materials and sell their products. They wrote scripts for introducing themselves and included responses for the expected “yes” or “no” answers they knew they would receive on the calls. For some students, the opportunity to shine and be seen by business owners has been pivotal in their growth for the year.
PHILLIPS
GREEN MACHINES
Selling Events
15
2
Students
Urban
School District
The students also ventured into a new product design for this year: upcycled crayons. After spending last year collecting supplies for this year’s business, the students were able to collect enough broken or thrown away crayons to begin cleaning and melting them into molds to create new crayon sets.
Like so many students this year, some of their best laid plans were delayed due to COVID 19. Phillips Green Machine applied to be a vendor at the Handmade Arcade Spring Show & Sell Pop-Up Market - and got accepted! Judges reflected that when selecting vendors, they found that Phillip’s Green Machines was the best-written application. They didn’t even know that this application was written by elementary students which really is what the EdCorps experiences are all about.
(cont.)
PHILLIPS GREEN MACHINES
JENNIFER
SALZMANN
“
I truly am grateful for this experience and to give this experiential learning to my students. I feel that the skills they learn are so important as they move forward into a career and life.
”
teacher
First year EdCorp, Gifts by Girls - out of Guernsey-Sunrise High School in Wyoming-, are pretty dang cool. This machining skills trade class business is run (you guessed it) entirely by girls, and their teacher Troy Reichert. The students have a wide array of products including seasonal decor and custom wood signage, which they design and build in the classroom.
Using the Fall semester primarily for business planning and strategy, Gifts by Girls began the school year collaborating with the school’s entrepreneur class to pick their brains and expertise. Before Covid-19 cut plans short, the students were planning a full business launch mid-March, with an estimated $300 dollars worth of products in stages of completion, and several already “spoken for” by their community. Some products include Easter decorations, like plywood Easter bunnies with vinyl-cut whiskers. The students were able to sell a handful of test products in November and January before the shut down, with promising reviews.
Gifts by Girls however would not be deterred by a global pandemic. When schools were forced to close down, Troy and his students were dedicated to keeping their entrepreneurial edge sharp. They’ve since held weekly Zoom meetings to work through business building toolkits while practicing public speaking and presentation creation.
GIFTS BY GIRLS
$70.00
2019
Established
4
Profits
Students
Through these meetings, the students have each presented a business proposal complete with a project plan, business card mockup, recommendations for advisory board members, sample products and a press release for launch. These girls are not playing around.
Connecting outside the classroom was a big goal for Gifts by Girls, which they achieved by reaching out to their local Chamber of Commerce to seek advice on their new business. .
(cont.)
GIFTS BY GIRLS
NATE PFEIFFER
“
Its been an amazing process the last year and a half to see the students accept this challenge, overcome failures, and achieve great things through their own hard work and perseverance.
”
teacher
Oftentimes, a business’s greatest impact has less to do with the community beyond the classroom, and more to do with the individual students inside the classroom. And the students behind the Squad are holding their heads a little higher since launching their EdCorp.
The Squad is a business started by students in the Intermediate School Life Skills and Autistic Support classroom at South Fayette Intermediate School. The students – who are in third, fourth, and five grades – sell uniquely painted designs on trivets, coasters, and glass ornaments, and market their products to their local and online community. Along the way, students have the opportunity to develop their “creativity, collaboration, communication, technology, and financial literacy,” according to teacher Elizabeth Kline.
Starting a business isn’t easy, but these students are no strangers to tackling challenges. One student, Ella, had eight open heart surgeries by the age of 9 and spent over a year in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Now 12 years old and back in school full time, Ella is both a Special Olympian and young entrepreneur.
SQUAD
SHOP
10
Students
Suburban
School
District
1
Major
Selling Event
In December 2019, Ella and her classmates had the opportunity to sell at the Handmade Arcade – the area’s largest artisan-craft-maker event with over 10,000 attendees – where they exhibited their products and their passion alongside other EdCorps and hundreds of adult vendors. In the beginning of the day, Ella felt too shy to speak to customers, opting to hang back and wrap purchased products for customers instead. But as time went on, Ella took the reins and made her way out in front of the table. Ella shared her story and their products with potential customers. Thanks to her EdCorp experience, she did not let her challenges from the past hold her back from moving forward. �
Through Ella and the other students’ hard work, The Squad outsold all other student entrepreneur vendors at the Handmade Arcade. Ella’s got her eyes set on starting a bakery or some other business in her future. We will definitely be staying tuned.
(cont.)
SQUAD
SHOP
KRISTY
FROHLIGER
“
The students end up teaching me as much as I teach them. I am always surprised by the amount of knowledge they have! Reminds me of how independent students can be if you give them time to explore on their own.
”
teacher
BW Creations, started by Kristy Frohlinger and her 5th grade students at Whitehall Elementary, made big moves in their first year. The 5th grade STEAM club – located in Pittsburgh, PA– made over $5000 this year, offering different custom products like phone holders, ornaments, and coffee mugs.
The students’ creativity permeated every aspect of their business, not just their product design. Throughout the school year students filmed their own commercial in the classroom (green screen effects included!), as well as inviting local business owners for “Breakfast with the Business” morning meetings to pitch product ideas and pick other entrepreneur’s brains.
And while this student-run business was new to the scene, students wasted no time in getting the word out. They attended several community events to sell their products, like the Handmade Arcade and the STEAM showcase. While students from around the region were there sharing their learning at the showcase, these student entrepreneurs were on the hunt, hand delivering their business cards to participants at the event.
They also found partners in their community, offering their custom swag for local businesses. One local gym, Sweat of Pittsburgh, placed a large order for customized phone grips, for both their employees and to be sold to members. No simple task, one student in particular took the lead. “I had to make 25 of each design. 25 went to the staff and 25 were resold to their members,” Nate told us.
BW CREATIONS
$5,031.00
Giving
20
Profits
$925.00
Students
Nate’s teacher, Kristy, was blown away by his commitment. “When he has his mind set on something, he is there first thing in the morning. He comes in at recess...He would get everything done before anyone had a chance to help him.”
Students were committed to more than just their products – they were committed to their community, donating over a thousand dollars to both local and national organizations. Students opted to donate their profits to Furkids, a local animal rescue, the Apraxia Foundation to support a friend and classmate with the disorder and another donation to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) in support of another classmate with a peanut allergy – just to name a few. They even used profits to buy pizza lunch for ER workers at a local hospital, with personalized notes written on each pizza box.
Once schools closed in the Spring due to Covid-19, distance learning began, but BW Creations creative gears kept grinding. The students continued to meet virtually, using this time to work on their end of year donations, and to start building out their e-commerce website.
(cont.)
BW CREATIONS
SPECIAL
PROGRAMS
The entrepreneurial process is a powerful way to bring relevance to any learning environment. We’re grateful to work with partners like Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and the Grable Foundation to support young people in targeted (educational) spaces and (geographical) places.
From maker spaces and digital fabrication labs to welding and wood shops, students and educators have been using tools and their hands to create and build for years. Consequently, skilled trades education (STE) and entrepreneurship are a natural combination. Since 2017, we've worked with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTFS) to support a cohort of skilled trades classrooms looking to formalize their existing work into real entrepreneurial endeavors. Since launching the cohort, we have supported 28 classrooms, included engineering classes running upcycled furniture companies and agriculture classes using their woodshop to make environmentally responsible bat boxes. Students running businesses in these classes benefit from both technical experience as well as entrepreneurial skill development, which is crucial to adequately prepare them for college or a career in an evolving workforce.
HARBOR
FREIGHT
EdCORPS
$7,352.00
615
Students
29
Profits
Classroom Businesses
From maker spaces and digital fabrication labs to welding and wood shops, students and educators have been using tools and their hands to create and build for years. Consequently, skilled trades education (STE) and entrepreneurship are a natural combination. Since 2017, we've worked with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTFS) to support a cohort of skilled trades classrooms looking to formalize their existing work into real entrepreneurial endeavors. Since launching the cohort, we have supported 28 classrooms, included engineering classes running upcycled furniture companies and agriculture classes using their wood shop to make environmentally responsible bat boxes. Students running businesses in these classes benefit from both technical experience as well as entrepreneurial skill development, which is crucial to adequately prepare them for college or a career in an evolving workforce.
MISSION EAST
MESA
29
Classroom Businesses
$7,352.00
Profits
615
Students
Now in their third year, this EdCorp made big strides in 2020. After bouncing between several product lines, Colton Green’s students have found their niche in upcycled furniture. This year, students created a marketing plan and Facebook marketplace page to helped attract new customers. In addition, many team members became passionate about learning the building process in more detail, taking time on their own to learn about how to measure, cut, sand, and finish the furniture pieces. And the business thrived as a result. They introduced several new products, including entertainment centers and high-quality dining tables – which sold for hundreds of dollars. Students also worked with a local paint supply store who had begun donating both materials and advice. Colton Green reported how exciting it was to see his students really taking pride in their work. “They’re learning skills for their future and starting to understand that when you create something that’s well-build, desirable, and fairly priced, people will buy it.”
HIXSON
WOODWORKING
29
Classroom Businesses
$7,352.00
Profits
615
Students
The Greater Pittsburgh EdCorps community embodies a vibrant maker and entrepreneurial spirit. Since the first EdCorp began in the region in 2016, students, teachers, industry partners, community members, and foundations have worked together in creative ways so that students can use entrepreneurship to explore STEM, the arts, skilled trades, and social entrepreneurship, just to name a few. As a model for EdCorps in other communities nationwide, the region has espoused creative collaboration, community awareness, and a bias toward giving back.
We have been proud to forge a variety of great partnerships in the region - from collaborations like the Handmade Arcade Pop-up Market to foundational support from the Grable Foundation. We continue to build an ecosystem of like-minded organizations who believe in the importance of EdCorps values and opportunities for students and teachers across the region.
PITTSBURGH
EdCORPS
73%
1054
Students
30
of Classrooms Earned Profits
Classroom Businesses
The students in this rural EdCorp launched the year right out of the gate selling over $1000 of products by the winter break. They made custom signs using their classroom GlowForge laser cutter and other makerspace equipment. Rural-based Hargus Creek Designs is run in a business and technology class where students are given time to be creative while learning the entrepreneurial process. They made signs for everything from children's rooms to door signs, to ornaments and holiday decor. When forced into distance learning due to Covid-19, some of the students got together with their teacher, Tim Barnes, and switched gears from making signs to 3D printing face mask and shield components. In the process, they were able to connect and supply their local law enforcement and healthcare workers with these necessary items.
HARGUS CREEK
DESIGNS
9th-12th
Grades
12
Students
Launching their business to a crowd of over 120 people at the beginning of the school year, TJ3D found immediate popularity in their school community. Showing what they could do with 3D printing, they gained attention from corporate connections like Allstate and PPG Paints. While showing and selling at Handmade Arcade, one student, Sarah, remarked how fun it was. "I talked with important people like a person from a women's empowerment organization." Sarah and the club were invited to keep in touch and attend local empowerment events. With connections like these, the students of TJ3D are well-supported to continue to do this work.
TJ3D
CLUB
$1,824.00
Profits
4th-5th
Grades
120
Students
Rural
School District
MARK
HOSKISSON
“
[EdCorps] has given students motivation to learn about business: the opportunity to understand and practice social skills they need to be successful. Students learn how to be self-motivated and to persevere through setbacks, as well as teamwork, setting and working towards a meaningful goal, a sense of accomplishment and pride from persevering to making something from start to finish.
This sense of achievement is a great motivator for our students, who often have not had much success at anything in their lives, to do their best. I also believe it has given the students an important say in what they want to do and an authentic stake in their work.
”
Michelle David and her fifth-graders at Ramsay Elementary in the Mt. Pleasant Area School District, sell custom coffee....
WE’VE MADE
SOME NEWS.
THESE PITTSBURGH KIDS ARE E-COMMERCE
CEOS VIA EDCORPS
4th Grade Teacher Challenged Students To Create BarkBox Prototypes, And We Turned Their Designs Into Real Life Toys! An early-morning marketing meeting at BARK HQ turned into the MOST AWESOME MEETING EVER (who says that, right?) when we learned about a teacher and her fourth-graders in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.
REAL WORLD IDEAS ARE NOW
REAL LIFE TOYS.
It’s not easy being the CEO of a company overseeing production and the website. It doesn’t make it any easier if the CEO is 12….
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS RUNNING THEIR
OWN PET SUPPLY COMPANY
January 30th was proclaimed Nikki Wegrzynowski Day in the State of New York when Assemblyman David….
WAUGH TEACHER RECEIVES TEACHER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sitting at a sewing machine, Carlsbad High School senior Jeremy Bullara displayed a black nylon dog collar, and...
WE’VE MADE
SOME NEWS.
STUDENTS RECYCLE WASTE TO BUILD
MERCHANDISE AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
"You're as young as cotton candy." "You are a genius.” "You make me smile." How much would you pay for a compliment like that to make your day? Fourth-graders at J.T. Waugh Elementary School in Angola already know: For $2, they can send you a necklace, magnet or keychain with an uplifting message. It's a business that started last January, and it brought in nearly $900. The class donated $500 of that to charity.
THESE LAKE SHORE KIDS ARE FINDING BEING KIND PAYS OFF
Cheering on people is what Susan Howey’s fourth graders do. In fact, it’s the tagline of their class business, Fan Faces. The...
TROMBLY FOURTH GRADERS GO VIRTUAL WITH
CLASS BUSINESS
Sarah Greenblatt is designing a snowman ornament that she thinks all cold weather fans will love. Ava Sorley’s ornament will...
JEFFERSON HILLS INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS
LAUNCH 3D STORE
EdCORPS
AT WORK
Running a business isn’t a walk in the park. All sorts of moving parts are required to bring a student startup to life. Learn more about how classrooms are navigating the entrepreneurial process – from business launch to community events.
BW Creations launched their business to a breakfast crowd of families and community members.
LAUNCHING THE BUSINESS
BREAKFAST WITH THE BUSINESS BRINGS COMMUNITY TO LAUNCH
Our online store is OPEN!!!! 5th graders loved having a kick off during Convocation last week. We displayed new bags and and earrings, and even gave a few away as prizes! Visit is online at http://lynx4rearth.com #recycle #SavetheEarth #4Rs
LYNX4REARTH LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH A KICK-OFF PARTY IN MEMPHIS, TN
Launching their business to a crowd of almost 200 people, the club of 120 4th and 5th graders got a healthy start.
TJ3D CLUB LAUNCHES WITH NATIONAL
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Eagle Street Marketplace launched their third year of business with all new signage and business cards.
FIFTH GRADERS LAUNCH WITH NEW
BUSINESS TOOLS
Students connected with a local pizza shop and sold products at a district admin event.
PARTNERSHIPS +
COMMUNITY
PA SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS EARN ENTREPRENEURIAL SCHOOL DESIGNATION
Local business owner, Lisa Bardy, the owner of Bow Wow Baketique, stopped by to share what she
[loves]s about being an entrepreneur! We learned how she gets feedback from dogs (& humans), & promotions that she has, like Puppy Paczki!
FAN FACES CONNECT WITH LOCAL BUSINESS
OWNER IN GROSSE POINTE, MI
3RD GRADERS LEARN FROM A COMMUNITY MENTOR
TJ3D gained the attention of Allstate representatives who presented a $5,000 check to help support their growing 3D printer...
EdCORP RECEIVES $5,000 AWARD FROM COMMUNITY PARTNER
Thank you @makersarcade for a fun weekend! We couldn’t ask for a better turnout and real world learning experience!
SELLING
EVENTS
SPEAK NICE CO. ATTENDS LOCAL ARTISAN FAIR
IN SAN DIEGO
282 students from 9 EdCorps prepared their products and businesses for weeks in advance of the Handmade Arcade’s Youth Pop-Up Makers Mart. 92 EdCorps students attended the event to share, show, and sell their products with over 10,000 attendees at Pittsburgh‘s David Lawrence Convention Center. The students sold over 700 products with $5300 in sales earned.
9 EDCORPS TAKE PART IN AREAS LARGEST ARTISAN CRAFT EVENT
First year as an #EdCorps and this third grade business is booming! Results of the first pop-up shop: $1400! And ALL of it is going...
THIRD GRADE STUDENTS IN MEMPHIS, TN RAISE
$1,400 FOR LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE
#KOProud of our students for participating in this year’s @PETEANDC Educational Technology Expo!
GOLDEN OAKS DESIGNS MAKES A SPLASH AT TECH EXPO IN PITTSBURGH
Flameworks’ middle school students add flare to holiday designs in their line of aprons, oven mitts and more.
AROUND THE HOLIDAYS...
SPARKING HOLIDAY SALES WITH CREATIVE PRODUCTS
When the students of The iSH Company designed their first Valentine themed shirts two years ago on classic ¾ sleeve baseball style t-shirts, they had an instant hit. Since then, the students honed their original holiday designs each year for Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter, selling to both their school community and to 24 states through their EdCorps website.
HOLIDAY THEMED APPAREL SENDS ISH CO.
SALES INTO OVERDRIVE
Fresh-flower VALENTINE SUNDAES by 907Bobcats!
NEW - eco-friendly stainless straws, silicone tipped, reusable...
907BOBCATS IN ANCHORAGE, AK SELLS
VALENTINE THEMED FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Help cutting Edge Kids give back! #GivingTuesday. Students donated $40 to Coats for Kids on Giving Tuesday.
CUTTING EDGE KIDS HOSTS HOLIDAY SALE TO
SUPPORT COATS FOR KIDS
Check out the 1st episode of our #FanFaces podcast! This episode about our student-run business includes: how to make a Fan...
CUSTOMERS
+ SALES
FAN FACES CREATES A PODCAST TO SHARE
THEIR BUSINESS WITH CUSTOMERS
In their fourth year of business, The iSH Company expanded operations using two daily class periods to double down on production and sales. They challenged themselves to sell and ship their products across the United States, creating a fun "MiSH'n USA" mantra for their work. The result? They shipped their holiday-themed t-shirts and scrunchies to 24 states and gained new customers and followers in their e-commerce business.
ON A MISSION WITH A GOAL TO SELL ACROSS THE NATION
OSIDE KULTURE CREATES PROMO VIDEO TO
DEBUT NEW PRODUCTS
Our first sale of the new year! Punxatawney Phil has us all ready for spring! Bring on the nice weather, ladder ball...
SHAMELESS AUDACITY CELEBRATES THEIR FIRST
SALE OF THE YEAR
Students from Gryphon Student Enterprises in Pittsburgh were planning to make custom cutting boards as prizes to a local “Iron Chef” competition. They hope to renew this partnership in 2021.
LONG LOST…
SPRING PLANS
JUST MISSING THE BIG PRIZE
How exciting for the Phillips Green Machines at Pittsburgh Public Schools to find out they were accepted into an exclusive Spring Show and Sell event! Beating out applications from other adult makers and artisans, they would have been the only youth showing at the event.
STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO SPRING SHOW AND SELL
Students in graphic arts, STEM, and marketing classes collaborated to build a skateboard business. They were just shy of launching.
GREASING THE WHEELS TO GET
LAUNCHED
Last year, Ivy Fresh students made Bat Boxes and sold out their inventory. This year’s project, Kestrel Houses, was just getting off the ground when COVID hit.
CHATTANOOGA KESTRELS: HOMES WANTED
COVID-19 RESPONSE
In March, schools around the country closed their doors in the midst OF COVID-19. Consequently, thousands of students from the EdCorps Community at home – often leaving their thriving businesses back in their classrooms. But many classes found ways to continue on – running their businesses and supporting their communities during these uncertain times.
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The West Greene School District may be closed due to COVID-19, but every day there is a small group of teachers working…
COVID
RESPONSE
HARGUS CREEK DESIGNS 3D PRINTS SUPPLIES
FOR FRONT LINE WORK - WAYNESBURG, PA
The students behind Elm Street Enterprises – a family of student-run businesses from Elm Street Elementary – are using their 3D printers to produce face shields and mask extenders for local medical professionals. With four printers running, students and teachers can make 30 face shields a day from home – all of which have been donated to Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia…
ELM STREET ENTERPRISES 3D PRINTS FACE SHIELDS- ROME, GA
Fan Faces is thankful for the work that our Healthcare Heroes are doing to take care of our community!
FAN FACES DONATES CUPCAKES TO LOCAL
HOSPITAL - GROSSE POINTE, MI
#BWCreations treated the ER staff at Jefferson Hospital to a pizza lunch today! Ss wrote notes of thanks on each pizza box...
BW CREATIONS SENDS PIZZA AND ENCOURAGING
NOTES TO LOCAL HOSPITAL - PITTSBURGH, PA
TJ3D has joined a national effort (organized by Matterhackers) to 3D print and supply protective devices in the Pittsburgh region....
COVID
RESPONSE
TJ3D PRINTS DEVISES AND FACE SHIELDS FOR
REGION - PITTSBURGH, PA
Since schools closed, the students behind Center Grows – a student-run business from Plum Borough School District – and BW Creations – a student-run business from Baldwin-Whitehall School District – have had to adjust the plans for their business and the remainder of the school year. Each business has been meeting online using Google Hangouts, and have discussed how to use their profits to support...
CENTER GROWS + BW CREATIONS DONATE TO PROJECT COMMUNITY - PITTSBURGH, PA
Though their smiles were hidden behind face masks Thursday afternoon, it was evident that eight Elizabeth Forward High…
ISH CO. TREATS ESSENTIAL WORKERS TO LUNCH
- ELIZABETH, PA
Wild in Montana, an EdCorp that handmakes ornaments, donated over $1,000 of profits to two local food banks serving community members affected by COVID-19.
WILD IN MONTANA DONATES OVER $1,000 TO
LOCAL FOOD BANKS - TROY, MT
WE HAVE SCHOLARS
EVERYWHERE.
ALASKA
907 Bobcats | Bowman Elementary School
ARIZONA
Changemaker Charms | Changemaker High School
Corky Kidz | DeGrazia Elementary School
NGW Metal Works | West-MEC
Pens Parts and Paperweights | West-MEC Central Campus
CALIFORNIA
25 Designs | El Camino High School
43 Seedlings | Valley View Elementary
4RCE Records | High School for Recording Arts Los Angeles
Alba Greeting Cards | ALBA Community Day School
AVID Creations! | Montgomery Middle School
Aztech Artisans | Montgomery High School
Bayside Ambient Marketplace | Bayside Community School
Becky LeBret EdCorp | Sisu Academy
Beyond SD Lip Balm | High Tech Middle Media Arts
BV Kid Market | Blossom Valley Elementary
Coyote Artists | Calavera Hills Middle School
Del Berro Clothing | ALBA Community Day School
DireLights | Central Coast New Tech High School
Dodici | The School for Entrepreneurship and Technology
EC Bakes | El Camino High School
Edric Uy EdCorp | Calavera Hills Middle School
Forte Apparel | HighTech High North County
GEA Jewelry | Carlsbad High School
Global Defenders | High Tech Elementary Chula Vista
Good Vibes Soap | Urban Discovery Academy
Green Garden Goods | High Tech Elementary Chula Vista
Healthy Redwoods | Coast Redwood Middle School
I am Aware | Innovations Academy
I've Got Worms | Vista Innovation and Design Academy
Innovate Crate | Franklin Elementary
inspired | High Tech Middle North County
iSteam Future Innovators | Bing Wong Elementary
Layer By Layer Designs | Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
Mission East Mesa | Soar Academy at East Mesa
My Cash Class | 37ECB
Oside Kulture Multimedia | El Camino High School
Project Eco Paws | Carlsbad High School
REdesign | Design39 Campus
MAINE
PATHS Woodworking | Portland Arts and Technology HS/PATHS
MICHIGAN
Fan Faces | Trombly Elementary School
Growing Buddies | Trombly Elementary School
Young Hawk Products | Republic-Michigamme High School
MISSOURI
#ashtag | LaSalle Springs Middle School
Band Together | LaSalle Springs Middle School
Charmed | Inman Intermediate
Cutting Edge Kids | Inman Intermediate
Eagle T’s | Central Academy of Excellence
Innovation | Station Bolivar Middle School
Kindsicle | Clark Elementary School
Neosho Wildcat Creations | Neosho JR High
Para-Cord Pets | Sperreng Middle School
SCTC Metal Works | Sikeston Career and Technology Center
Startup Stickers | Northland Innovation Center
The BKIDZ | Farmington Middle School
MONTANA
Wild in Montana | Troy Public Schools
�NEW JERSEY
FH Innovates | Knollwood School
Northern Valley Regional HS| Northern Valley Regional HS
�NEVADA
Heidi Barber EdCorp | Innovation Academy at South Campus
Mr. K's Place | Lomie G Heard A Marzano Academy
T-Birdz Kidz Biz | J.E. Manch Elementary School
�NEW YORK
MusBuyTangs | Mineola High School
Kind Kid Compliments | John T. Waugh Elementary
OHIO
Anne Riede EdCorp St. Sebastian Catholic School
Grit9 Design Elida High School
Kyleigh McCune EdCorp Graham Elementary and Middle School
PGE Design Pandora-Gilboa High School
Tri-H2O Chagrin Falls High School
�
TENNESSEE
3 Lynx Make It Place | Lausanne Collegiate School
Bee You | Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences
Beryl Basden EdCorp | Clifton Hills Elementary
Chatt Nation Creations | Hixson High School
Cora Fisher EdCorp | Clifton Hills Elementary School
Dalewood Developers | Dalewood Middle School
Firstopia | Lausanne Collegiate School
Hixson Hardwood | Hixson High School
Hixson Woodworking | Hixson High School
Ivy Fresh | Ivy Academy
James Snyder EdCorp | Central High School
Karen Haynes EdCorp | Harrison Bay Center
LCS Innovations | Lausanne Collegiate School
Lightning Orthotics | Normal Park Museum Magnet School
Lynx 4R Earth | Lausanne Collegiate School
Melody Poke EdCorp | Howard Connect Academy
Next Generation Sustainable Living | Central High School
Phixson Physics Hixson High School
Ready 2 Grow | Hixson High School
Steve Allen EdCorp | Dawn School
�TEXAS
Small Stars, Big Universe | Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
�VIRGINIA
Kimberly Chua EdCorp | George C. Round Elementary School
�VERMONT
Lamoille Union High School | Lamoille Union High School
�WASHINGTON
EHS Unique Necessities | Enumclaw High School
�WYOMING
Gifts by Girls | Guernsey-Sunrise Public School
WASHINGTON D.C.
B4Real Fashion Swaggers | Thurgood Marshall HS
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OREGON
Mac Makers McLoughlin Middle School
PENNYSLVANIA
BW Creations Whitehall Elementary
Center Grows Center Elementary School
Class Crew South Saint Marys Street Elementary School
Colonial Phoenix Design Company IU1 Educational Campus at Colonial
Crusading for a Cause St. Mary's Catholic Elementary
Cutting Edge Designs York Suburban Middle School
Eagle Pride Production South Park High School
Golden Oaks Designs Keystone Oaks High School
Greasy Grinders Freeport Area Senior High School
Gryphon Student Enterprises IU1 Educational Campus at Waynesburg
Hammer and Nails North Penn Mansfield High School
Hampton Creates Hampton Middle School
Hargus Creek Designs West Greene Jr./Sr. High School
Heroes with Heart EdCorp Beth-Center Elementary School
Holiday Park Makers Co Holiday Park Elementary
Kelly Green Thumb Market South Fayette High School
Kilowatt Korner Springdale JR/SR High School
Mighty Makers Carmichaels Area High School
Northgate Flameworks Northgate Middle/High School
Parkway Welding & Fab Parkway West Career & Technology Center
Phillips Green Machines Pittsburgh Phillips Elementary
Pieces of Positivity Markham Elementary
Productive Panthers Austin Area School District
Quality Cre8tions Bethlehem-Center High School
Shameless Audacity Austin Area High School
Shop Cool Kids Norvelt Elementary
Soarmania | Penn Hills Charter School for Entrepreneurship
Sublimation Creations | Bellwood-Antis Middle School
The Eagle Street Marketplace | Ramsay Elementary School
The Frazier Family Farm | Frazier Elementary School
The ish Company | Elizabeth Forward High School
The Squad South | Fayette Intermediate School
TJ3D Store | Jefferson Hills Intermediate School
Warrior Workshop | Elizabeth Forward High School
Wild Mugs N' More | Greater Latrobe Senior High School
Workshop Industries | Workshop School
XscapeEDU | Bellwood-Antis High School
Yinz Merch | Keystone Oaks Middle School
Ryan Scott EdCorp | Hampton High School
CALIFORNIA – continued
Revolutionary Shores Carmel | Del Mar Elementary School
San Diego Metropolitan Artisan | The Met San Diego
Scorpion Woodshop + Maker Space | Adolfo Camarillo High School
Slime Apocalypse | Palmdale Learning Plaza
Speak Nice Co. | Design39Campus
The Yungsters | Victoria Elementary
Tree Transformation | Colfax High School
VIDA Connect | Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA)
VIDA Dreamers | Vista Innovation and Design Academy
Wicked Soap Company | High Tech High Media Arts
Wolf Toys | West Hills High School
COLORADO
Compass Creations | Compass Community Collaborative School
�FLORIDA
Laurie Gonzalez EdCorp | Turner Bartels
�GEORGIA
Brookwood Aquaponics | Brookwood High School
Elm Street Kids' Enterprise | Elm Street Elementary
Scribble It! | Kelly Mill Elementary
INDIANA
LitBeard | Central Noble Elementary
KANSAS
Pozi | Blue Valley CAPS
KENTUCKY
Something Scrunchie | Lewisburg School
LOUiSIANA
3Donationz | Gonzales Middle School
The Upstander Brand | Northwestern Middle School
MASSACHUSETTS
Panther Press Design Co | Beverly High School
MARYLAND
Linda Corley EdCorp | Bishop McNamara High School
INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES, NEAR + FAR.
All About Animals
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Angel's Place, Inc.
Apraxia Kids
Austin Area School District
Bethlehem Center Middle School
Blue Valley Caps
Bowman Growing Dome Greenhouse and Garden Project
Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, Inc.
Center Elementary School PTO
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation
Doggie Does Good
Eden North Collins Food Pantry, Inc
FARE Food Allergy Research and Education
Feeding America
Food For Families In Need
Freeport Area High School
FurKid Rescue
Ivy Academy
Kootenai Pets for Life
Lake Shore Family Support Center
Lamoille Union High School
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Make a Wish Foundation - Greater PA
Memphis Humane Society
Michigan Animal Rescue League
Nixa Public School
Operation Warm, Inc. Coats for Kids
South Saint Marys Street Elementary School
The Children's Lunchbox
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Orange County Inland Empire Chapter Pennies for Patients Staff Partner
Troy Baptist Church Food Bank
Troy Food Pantry
Troy School District
Wilson Animal Rescue
Wounded Warrior Project
$15,748.23
DONATIONED BY THE
EDCORPS COMMUNITY
36
CAUSES SUPPORTED
Fellow rabble-rousers and questioners, we're lucky to be surrounded by those who want to do better for young people and are willing to break the old and build the new to do it. To all our partners, thank you for your insight and mentorship, support and enthusiasm. We couldn't do this work without the tribe – and frankly, we wouldn't want to.
FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE.
WE’VE BEEN BUSY, TOO.
45
Re-launched Toolkits
15
Educational Videos
7
Teacher Playbooks
New EdCorps
E-commerce Dashboard
As schools shifted programming and priorities this Spring, Team RWS did the same. We surveyed our community to understand their unmet needs and invested in making the EdCorps Experience work better for more classrooms.
to connect students w/ professionals from the community ready to support their entrepreneurial journey.
Mentor Bank
to support educators with tangible ideas and resources as they navigate virtual learning.
EdCorps Virtual Summit
to give teachers the chance to connect and investigate digital learning + social justice through entrepreneurship.
Teacher Field Guides
New Curricular Resources
more intuitive // more transparent // more accessible
15%
30%
FULL
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
visually engaging // age-tailored // collectively curated
17
Interactive Templates
increase in student access.
projected increase in
organizational efficiency.
www.realworldscholars.org // contact@realworldscholars.org