Having worked together in the past, Founders Classical Academy – Rogers parents, Denise Thomas and Debbie McElroy, had more in common than just sending their children to the same school. However, not until they reconnected at a school basketball game was their shared desire and opportunity to educate students about various career fields realized. It was only a short time before the pair decided to use their business backgrounds to impart their experience and knowledge to students at the Rogers campus.
With over three decades of combined experience, Denise and Debbie teamed up to create a program that would allow students to learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. With the help of Founders Classical Academy – Rogers Headmaster Heather Arabie, Dean of Liberty and Learning Angie Christiano, and Regional Director Shannon Nason, the team was able to garner support from their local Chamber of Commerce, who offered valuable advice to participating students.
Students in the campus entrepreneurship program.
Students present the logo for their lawn mowing business, Mackleboys.
“We wanted this program to build on the skills and talents these students already possessed,” said Denise. “Many of them came to us with ideas already in mind, so we focused on providing them with the tools necessary to start and operate a successful small business.”
Students cover topics like time and financial management, marketing, and strategic planning by engaging in hands-on exercises and projects throughout the school year. The program highlight is the business sales pitch, where students present their business models to a panel of local entrepreneurs. Projects ranged from engineered airbags to enhance vehicle safety for children and infants during accidents to a lawn mowing business called Mackleboys, established by Debbie’s two sons. With the support of Debbie, Denise, and their classmates, the McElroy brothers were able to create a successful business by the program’s end.
“Not only do extracurriculars like this one encourage students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom, but they also provide them with additional skills to jump-start their careers,” said Debbie.
Upon completion, students get awarded a certificate and $25 to use towards advancing their business models. With preparations underway for the upcoming school year and passionate parents like Denise and Debbie at the helm, the campus entrepreneurship program prepares for even greater success in its second year.
Find a Founders Classical Academy campus near you to learn about the unique educational opportunities these campuses offer their students. For more information or to apply at Founders Classical Academy – Rogers, visit foundersclassical.com/rogers.
