School's Marketplace One to 'Bragg' About

The in Chester closed out last year with a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit and education as it hosted the “TREP$ Marketplace,” where students sold goods provided by their own original business.

The marketplace was capstone for a program designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and put their ideas into action by starting a new business.

“The goal of the program is to educate young people about entrepreneurship–to develop an idea into a business. It was an opportunity to utilize their creativity and strengthens self-esteem,” said Chester Board of Education member Heather Ronco, who became involved in TREP$ when her daughter Ainsley came home from school with a permission slip that asked for volunteers.

“TREP$ showed them that not all businesses succeed," she said. "They may have a fantastic product, but if the price is too high or the customer doesn't want it, then they'll go home with a lot of inventory.“

The program was brought to Bragg by Principal Dan Johnson, who saw more than 40 students launch their business for the night.

“It’s a great way to take some of the stuff we do in our classrooms and use it outside of our classrooms.”

Experiential education is something the Bragg School, under Johnson, has become known for, as this month to kick off the study of local history in social studies where the students are learning how to bake bread by hand as they would have in colonial Chester.

The marketplace was attended by family and friends of the participants as well as teachers, staff, and students from other grades. The Bragg students also got the chance to show their work to the co-founder of TREP$, Pamela deWaal.

“Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense of control over their lives and futures," deWaal said. "With the support of the community, the young participants of TREP$ learn the value of creativity, motivation, and hard work."

The level of support the students inspired did not surprise Ronco.

“The enthusiasm of the participants was infectious. I created a bulletin board display in the main lobby of Bragg School to advertise the event, with plenty of space for each participant to add an advertisement for their business,” Ronco said. “They didn't stop there. They put flyers up all over the school, in the bathrooms, even on our gym teacher.”

Johnson plans to continue the program next year. For her part, Ronco has hopes for the next marketplace. “My hope is that our school repeats this program, builds upon our success and engages more local entrepreneurs to serve as mentors.”