At St. Mark High School, the spirit of community, faith, and service was brought to life in an inspiring way through the Grade 10 Business class's first-time participation in the Social Entrepreneur Program (SEP). This initiative not only allowed students to gain hands-on business experience, but it also served as a powerful reminder of the difference young minds can make when they come together with purpose and passion.
With a strong commitment to making a positive impact, the students chose mental health and well-being as their Sustainable Development Goal. Recognizing the importance of mental health, especially among children and youth, they decided to donate all the profits from their business ventures to CHEO's Mental Health Unit. Their dedication to both learning and service reflected the true essence of St. Mark High School's mission to nurture not only academic skills but also faith and character.
Hands-on Learning and Expert Guidance
Over the course of several months, students worked diligently to plan, create, and develop their own small businesses. They collaborated closely with their Grade 10 Marketing class peers, producing commercials, logos, posters, and promotional materials. This real-world application of marketing and business strategies helped them develop key skills while strengthening relationships within the school community.
Throughout the process, students also gained valuable insights from a range of guest speakers, including local business leaders and representatives from universities. Among the key contributors was Suzanna Barakat, Lead SEP Business Teacher, whose guidance was integral to the program's success. Additionally, Carrie Clancy, the OCSB Experiential Learning Consultant, provided crucial support in connecting students with relevant resources and mentorship opportunities. Richard White, a Shopify and OCSB SEP Mentor, shared his expertise in business development, giving students real-world perspectives on entrepreneurship. The students also had the chance to learn from Mahdi Rahman, a community member and guest speaker from Carleton University, who helped them expand their understanding of social enterprise and its impact on communities.
These experts not only shared their knowledge of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business development but also provided mentorship as students refined their ideas. The opportunity to pitch their concepts to Board members resulted in seed funding to bring these ideas to life. This experience opened doors, helping students establish connections with local businesses and mentors while fostering a sense of collaboration and community.
The Launch and the Impact
The students' hard work culminated in the official launch of their businesses on December 10th. After months of creativity, teamwork, and determination, they raised an impressive $1,003.65, which was fully donated to CHEO's Mental Health Unit. This generous contribution will support children and families in need, further emphasizing the program's goal of making a meaningful difference in the community.
The initiative went beyond raising funds it was a testament to how faith and service can merge with education. St. Mark High School's Deep Learning approach enabled students to grow academically and develop the global competencies of citizenship, communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Through this project, the students not only honed their entrepreneurial skills but also lived out their Catholic values, embodying the importance of service to others.
The students also embraced modern technology throughout the project, integrating artificial intelligence to help design their logos, posters, and commercials. This use of AI not only expanded their creative horizons but also provided them with valuable exposure to cutting-edge tools in business and marketing.
This year's Social Entrepreneur Program was a proud moment for St. Mark High School, showcasing how faith, service, and education can come together to create lasting change. By collaborating and thinking creatively, the students demonstrated their ability to make a significant impact, not only within their school but also in the wider community.
