Beyond the Bell: Part 4 – “Kidpreneurs” on the Rise
This fourth installment in our 9-part series explores Pearl B. Larsen PK-8 School’s entrepreneurship program, one of Operation Inspire’s enriching afterschool programs. ‘Kidpreneurs on the Rise‘ exposes third through fifth graders to entrepreneurial experiences, from concept to reality.
Designed to develop lifelong skills and discover strengths, talents, and passions, this course nurtures each student’s entrepreneurial spirit early in life.
Why Entrepreneurship?
The “Kidpreneurs” are learning practical skills like problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. They are gaining insights into business concepts such as budgeting, customer relations, and marketing, which can be applied to real-life situations.
In addition to nurturing their creativity, the program builds their sense of ownership, boosts their confidence to speak up, and encourages them to find solutions to challenges.
What Does the Program Cover?
The students are pursuing projects based on their own interests and collectively as a group. This approach keeps them more engaged and makes learning feel relevant to their own lives, increasing their motivation and curiosity. Each student is encouraged to present their ideas and pitch business projects. These presentations give them an opportunity to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively, an important skill for personal and professional interactions.
Entrepreneurship projects also allow children to explore original ideas and think outside the box. It introduces basic STEM concepts like science, through data analytics and math, through financial literacy. Data analytics allow students to collect, analyze and interpret information specific to their projects and is an essential skill to practice and apply in most situations. Financial literacy provides them with an early understanding of saving, budgeting, and planning all of which fosters a foundation for responsible financial habits.
Overall, “Kidpreneurs on the Rise” nurtures a well-rounded set of skills that benefit children academically, socially, and personally- helping them become proactive, resourceful, and adaptable thinkers.
See you next week as we explore another exciting afterschool program that keeps Cane Bay Cares‘ Operation Inspire students engaged and growing!
Cane Bay Cares is a service initiative of St. Croix-based Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP. Cane Bay Cares was established after three strong hurricanes, including two Category 5 storms, Irma and Maria, caused much damage to St. Croix during September 2017. The initiative has a goal of providing relief to the citizens of St. Croix. To make this possible, we have partnered with St. Croix Foundation, which is a 501c3 nonprofit that was established in 1990. All donations to Cane Bay Cares are donations to St. Croix Foundation and are 100% tax deductible.
Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP was formed in June 2009 and founded by internationally experienced business executives with many years of experience in the financial services industry. Focusing our efforts primarily in the financial services industry, our management consulting practice specializes in providing services to clients in need of sophisticated risk management models, debt collections organizations which require liquidation models and analytics, and portfolio management companies desiring a variety of services.
Since 1990, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been advancing holistic community development as a pathway to economic prosperity, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Established in the wake of Hurricane Hugo, today the Foundation is one of the premier place-based philanthropic leaders in the Virgin Islands. Having served as the conduit of over $37 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Foundation’s impact has netted national recognition in almost every priority area – from economic development and community revitalization to public health, education reform, and nonprofit development. Our mission is to encourage greater philanthropic activity, to marshal resources, and to act as a catalyst to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands.