5th and 6th Grade Students Launch Businesses at TREP$ Marketplace

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On Friday, April 17, the TREP$ Marketplace brought a sense of momentum to campus as Lacordaire’s 5th and 6th grade students introduced the businesses they had spent the semester building. The room was filled with thoughtfully (and elaborately) arranged displays of student-made products, including sweets, toys, jewelry, baseball cards, and a range of creative food items. Each table reflected careful decision-making, from how products were presented to how students spoke with customers.

 

TREP$, which takes its name from the word “entrepreneurs,” is an entrepreneurship education program that guides students through the process of creating and running a small business, or marketing a product from start to finish. What begins as an idea quickly becomes an exercise in problem-solving. Students are responsible for shaping a concept into something viable, which means thinking through cost, pricing, and production, while also developing a brand that feels clear and intentional. They must consider who their customer is and how to reach them.

 

The challenge of the program lies in its expectations. Students are asked to take full ownership of their work, which requires focus and follow-through over time. They experience the pressure of preparing for a real marketplace and the unpredictability of how their products will be received. By the time the event arrives, they are making decisions in the moment, speaking confidently with customers, and managing transactions with care.

 

This year’s program was led by Ms. Alicia Chadha, one of Lacordaire’s beloved 2nd grade teachers, who is currently on maternity leave but continues to guide TREP$ because of her love of the program. Her leadership is evident in the confidence and independence students brought to the marketplace. The TREP$ Marketplace offered a clear picture of what Laco students can accomplish when they are given responsibility and the space to be creative.