Summary:
Blanche Ely High School students run a weekly marketplace, turning Fridays into opportunities for real-world business experience.
Initiated by student demand, the Tiger-Preneur Community Club teaches skills like sales, teamwork, and creativity beyond the classroom.
Products range from fashion to services, with modern payment methods like Zelle being used for transactions.
The program has improved attendance and led some graduates to start their own LLCs, showcasing long-term entrepreneurial impact.
Strict guidelines ensure a safe and professional environment, emphasizing school-appropriate items and responsible business practices.
Fridays are extra special at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida. Students aren't just excited for the weekend—they're eager for lunchtime, and it's not because of the cafeteria menu.
In classrooms, the day starts with traditional math lessons on multiplication, division, and problem-solving. But when the bell rings, the school transforms into a bustling marketplace run entirely by students.
"Friday is our special day!" one student exclaimed.
Instead of a typical lunch break, students set up shop in hallways and designated areas, showcasing a variety of products and services. From fashion and eyelashes to professional photography, they're finding innovative ways to turn ideas into profits.
"I do lashes!" shouted one student, while another proudly displayed a jacket from her own brand, Darkheartz, which has become a hot commodity.
Principal Tavares Williams shared that this initiative began when students expressed a desire to become business owners. "When I heard the cry from students that they want to be a business owner, I said, 'How can I create that space?'" he recalled.
The marketplace, part of the Tiger-Preneur Community Club, operates under clear guidelines: sales are only allowed during approved days and lunch hours, items must be school-appropriate and pre-approved, and food, drinks, counterfeit products are prohibited. Students are expected to display prices clearly, give correct change, respect spaces, and clean up afterward.
Transactions reflect the modern economy, with methods like Zelle being used. "I'm doing Zelle, cash app is not working!" one student noted.
Beyond sales, students gain invaluable skills. "Teamwork, time management, and how to be creative," said Alicia Alexander. The experience has boosted Friday attendance and provided real-world lessons that textbooks can't offer.
Williams highlighted the long-term impact: some graduates have launched their own LLCs, while others continue to apply these skills post-graduation. "We believe that if they are exposed to those opportunities, it shifts their mindsets and channels their energy into something constructive," he added.
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