Multilingual teens enrolled in the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence's summer enrichment program embarked on a unique project-based learning adventure focused on entrepreneurship.
The Montclair Public School students (in 7th through 10th grades) were tasked with launching their own businesses. Using math and English-language arts skills, they are planning, budgeting, marketing and preparing to sell their products. The kids took a field trip to American Dream mall to conduct market research, budgeted for their materials, and worked in teams to bring their ideas to life.
The students benefited from the guidance of local entrepreneurs who volunteered their time and expertise, including math teacher Emmett Murphy, Maria Delgado, creator of RISASH Cosmetics, and Rock Tate of Char Fitness Club. The project was co-designed by John Sullivan, an MHS parent and creative curriculum developer. The MFEE team also worked closely with Ruth Davis, an entrepreneurial executive who volunteered her time and expertise to shape the experience.
The program is sparking some deep learning. Hear what the kids are saying:
A key component of this learning experience will be selling their products. Come visit the students at the Walnut Street Farmer's Market on Saturday, Aug. 17, to see the results of their hard work and to purchase their delicious products. All proceeds will be donated to MFEE to help support our programs.
“Trifles Latinitas” will be selling whipped cream desserts with fruit,
“CCGY” will be selling healthy smoothies, and
“Ecuanic” will be selling Espumilla, a traditional Ecuadorian meringue made from egg whites, sugar and fruit pulp.
“We are so proud of the kids. Throughout this process, they’re been brave and engaged, bringing energy and creativity to this challenge, all while developing skills critical to their academic success,” said Rachell Arteaga, MFEE’s director of learning design, who is leading the program, along with MFEE’s Weekend Entrendores Escolares Coordinator Lesley Xicotencatl.
In addition to the entrepreneurship program, MFEE is conducting a summer math intensive to prepare students to succeed in high-school level algebra and geometry.
All this work is in keeping with the organization’s mission to remove barriers to learning and create equitable access for all Montclair students. MFEE serves more than 80 non-English-speaking families through the Navegadores Escolares program, helping them navigate the Montclair Public Schools, and provides after-school and summer tutoring through our Oruguitas and Entrenadores Escolares programs.
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