This year, EIPS students in the Junior Achievement Club created the business venture Lumen Candles, getting hands-on experience in becoming entrepreneurs.
Sherwood Park, AB. — Bev Facey Community High and Salisbury Composite High students are making a profit off everything they’re learning in the Junior Achievement (JA) Club hosted at Bev Facey. The club takes part in the JA Company Program, which sees groups of students working together to operate their own business venture.
Held after school on Tuesdays, grades 11 and 12 students from across Sherwood Park create a product and work to sell it to a target audience. “The program proved highly successful for our business venture Lumen Candles,” says Michael Chen, a JA Club member and Grade 11 student at Bev Facey. “Financially, we broke even within the first two weeks of sales, generating more than $200 in gross profit. Moreover, we proudly contributed to both the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our participation in events—such as the Bountiful Farmers Market, Alberta Business Hall of Fame, and JA Trade Show and Pitch Competition—provided invaluable opportunities to hone our communication and marketing skills.”
Chen feels ready for entrepreneurship after taking part in the JA Club. “Assigning roles to each member of our team not only facilitated smooth operation but also served as an excellent platform for learning leadership and responsibility. Over the 18-week program, we fostered a strong camaraderie and improved our conflict resolution.”
Students in the club meet with mentors from the industry who guide them through the business process. “JA has been a transformative experience for these students,” says Heather Thomson, the Executive Director of the Alberta School of Business – Centre for Cities and Communities, and mentor for the JA Club. “They’ve gained practical skills in running business meetings, planning sales and developing marketing strategies, while also enhancing their emotional intelligence through problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability. The program’s focus on entrepreneurship empowers them to start their own businesses, preparing them for the future of work.”
Meaghan Rewniak, a JA Company Program co-ordinator, has found mentoring as rewarding for students as it is for her. “The Company Program teaches students not only about how to run a business, but how to be a part of a team, and the different areas of the field, such as marketing, human resources, finance and more. It also provides the students a safe place to stumble, fail and get back up again. Witnessing the growth and achievement of others is the most rewarding aspect of my career with JA.”
“Beyond skill acquisition, the program offers many benefits for students,” adds Chen. “JA hosts awards and scholarships annually, acknowledging the top contributors to the program. By showcasing the unique skills and experiences that set participants apart, the program also enhances post-secondary prospects.”
JA provides financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programming for K-12 students. Teachers and students can access these free resources on the JA website.
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
–30–
For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902