This summer marked three years of GiveBackKids, a partnership between GiveBackHack, Columbus City Schools (CCS), and CoverMyMeds that introduces K-5 students to the world of social entrepreneurship. Our facilitators, volunteers, and guest entrepreneurs helped over 50 students at Leawood Elementary build their own businesses.
Bonus points for creativity
In just four weeks, these school-aged innovators went through the same process that their adult counterparts do—from scribbling their first rough ideas onto a notepad to pitching their final one to the community. And unlike most adults, Leawood students get points for creativity.
One student came up with “GameCandy”, a combination of an arcade and candy store. He was particularly adamant that his team should hire the all-important roles of “timekeeper” (so kids didn’t stay past their bedtime) and “vibe-checker” (for obvious reasons).
Another student drew a wonderfully detailed picture of her idea: a stand that sells roller blades with 25+ wheels. These blades are banana-shaped to fit all those wheels and sell anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.
Other students, especially our kindergartners, chose to start more traditional businesses. Many were inspired by some of their favorite foods and restaurants. One team made “Ice Cream House”, where people pay to lick the walls made of their favorite frozen flavors. Another team was tired of driving to McDonalds for a burger, so they created a company that would bring the McDonalds experience to you!
The point isn’t that these ideas are grounded in the empirical reality that us adults are used to. It’s more important that students consider the problem they’re solving—and all of these students did! Rollerblades with twenty-five wheels get you to your destination faster; bringing the fast food experience to your home means you can save a trip there.
Representation that resonates
This year—thanks to support from CoverMyMeds—GiveBackKids invited local entrepreneurs into the classroom for a few minutes of “show-and-tell” each week. Students designed bouquets with the owner of a local floral studio, learned how to paddle a kayak with an Ohio-based outfitter, and, most amusingly, decided whether or not they like the smell of locally-roasted coffee. Lots of funny faces from that one.
We believe students who meet these relatable, real-life business leaders see that their aspirations are within reach. Many of our guest entrepreneurs have ties to CCS. Some are former facilitators coming back for some time in the classroom. And even teachers enjoyed finding new hair care products, coffee, and holiday gift ideas.
Concluding: Becoming future leaders
While students at Leawood took quickly to becoming entrepreneurial aficionados, they were also honing even more important skills: their studies. Each day, they worked hard with their teachers to improve their reading, writing, and math. They also grew socially and emotionally as they learned to communicate, solve problems as a team, and stay resilient as their businesses changed over time.
This blend of skill-building is the most important part of the program. By nurturing these skills, we can ensure students are on track to meet their future grade-level goals, graduate high school, and become leaders in our community.
For our facilitators, the experience was just as rewarding. While they inspired students, the students drew out the best in them. Debra, a GiveBackKids facilitator, described how working with young learners brought “a joy to her day” that her full-time job couldn’t match. Her time with the program even earned her a feature in her company’s impact newsletter, a win she’s happily taking to her year-end review.
Another facilitator, Wesley, a teacher-turned-developer, returned to the classroom for the first time in over three years. He found himself so re-energized that he stayed after hours to film and edit commercials for his classes’ businesses, a program first.
At GiveBackKids, our goal is simple: find the fun with students! When a student enjoys tapping into their innovative side, they come through the door every morning eager to learn. And when they do that, everyone wins.
Thank you to our generous partners: Columbus City Schools, CoverMyMeds, and the Ingram-White Castle Foundation. Here’s to another summer of big imaginations inside little statures—see you in 2025!