-BUILD PROGRAM-
Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School is giving students the opportunity to create their own businesses.
“We're trying to offer unique things to grab the kids’ attention,” Superintendent Megan Van Fossan said.
The after-school BUILD program, (Businesses United in Investing, Lending and Development), is partnering with Steel City Impact to provide students with tools to increase financial literacy.
The program teaches students to look for opportunities where a business could meet a need, learn skills pertaining to the types of businesses that interest them and how to prototype a business.
“BUILD envisions a world where all students – regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood – develop the skills and connections needed to achieve economic power and freedom,” the organization stated via memo.
The cost of the program is $2,500 a year and financial support for this partnership is being provided by the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
BUILD currently has four-year programs in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The organization is offering one-year programs in other states.
Van Fossan said the inclusion of the BUILD program was all part of a plan to offer students rewarding after-school programs. As part of that, the district is offering bussing for after-school programs this year.
“I want every kid to feel welcomed and I want every kid to find their niche,” Van Fossan said.