In the summer of 2023, the K-5 Pathway Program collaborated with GiveBackHack to introduce social entrepreneurship to students. The program’s goal was to provide practical, experiential learning and inspire young minds to become entrepreneurs. As the program concluded, its impact on students, teachers, and the community was evident through heartfelt testimonials from those involved.
Student Success: Empowered and Confident
One of the most fulfilling results of the program was observing the students’ amazing transformation. Initially, many of them were introverted and reluctant to express their thoughts, but as they advanced through the course, their self-assurance greatly improved. The learners acquired knowledge on various business principles such as product improvement, building a solid groundwork, and promoting their ideas using competent communication and presentation skills.
The joy on their faces, bright smiles, and eager participation highlighted the success of the program. By the end of it, the students were not only excited to present their work but were also equipped with valuable skills they could use in their classrooms and future endeavors.
Teacher and Community Involvement: A Collaborative Effort
The program’s success is owed to devoted teachers and volunteers from the community. GiveBackHack collaborated closely with Columbus City Schools educators to customize the curriculum for each grade level, ensuring a personalized learning experience.
Program Format and Impact
The Social Entrepreneurship Program comprises four modules, each targeting various entrepreneurship facets. The curriculum aimed to instill a problem-solving mentality in the students and inspire them to have faith in their capacity to create a beneficial impact on the world. The Social Entrepreneurship Program comprised of four modules, each targeting various entrepreneurship facets. The curriculum aimed to instill a problem-solving mentality in the students and inspire them to have faith in their capacity to create a beneficial impact on the world.
The final presentations, where the students presented their social enterprises, were a major achievement. It was the first time for many students to speak publicly, and it was inspiring to witness their progress and enthusiasm.
Testimonials: The Heart of the Program
Emily, one of the facilitators, highlighted the significance of working with real entrepreneurs from the community. “I’m most proud of our entrepreneur-facilitators and their work with the students. It’s so meaningful for students to get to work with real entrepreneurs from their own community. They run businesses that range from fashion to technology so students can truly see what they could end up building,” she said.
Angelo, a kindergartener, expressed that Ms. Na’imah was his favorite part of the summer program, showcasing the strong bond formed between students and teachers.
Tyler, who worked with second-grade students, after asking the students on the last day of the program what their favorite part was, said one of the students conveyed, “I like sharing my ideas with the world and others.”
LoLo, who worked with fourth-graders, praised the group that gave judges gift cards before their pitches, showing creativity and innovation in their presentations.
The GiveBackHack Social Entrepreneurship Program during the summer made a lasting impression on everyone who participated. The students, full of confidence and creative ideas, discovered how entrepreneurship can solve real-world issues. The collaborative efforts of teachers, facilitators, and volunteers highlighted the significance of community involvement in developing the next set of social entrepreneurs. As these budding change-makers progress on their educational path, the program’s influence will surely extend beyond the summer of 2023, molding a generation of socially responsible leaders.
