Kentucky Elementary Students Turned Their Gym Into a Marketplace

STEM education can be so easily defined as taking science tests and sitting in a math classroom. However, Toyota is doing something different in Kentucky. At Northern Elementary School in Lexington, students recently turned their gymnasium into a marketplace. This was part of a special Entrepreneur Fair that allowed students to explore the real-world applications of problem-solving and business skills.

Learning Through Real Experiences

Toyota’s USA Foundation promotes a national program known as Driving Possibilities. The purpose of this program is to provide students with hands-on experiences relevant to today’s economy. For this Entrepreneur Fair, Toyota teamed up with an organization called Junior Achievement.

Over several weeks, students explored the fundamentals of money management. However, they were not learning only from textbooks. Students had to apply their knowledge. They created their own products, determined the cost to produce them, and then set a selling price.

At the fair, students stood behind their beautifully created booths. Students were actually selling their handmade jewelry and homemade treats to their peers, family, and community. This allows for a great connection between what is being taught in the classroom and real life. Students experienced a live market, conducted transactions, and communicated their products to adults.

The Power Of Mentorship

A great component of the Kentucky program was the mentorship provided. Coaches were provided by high school students from Bryan Station High School. When a high school student invests in a younger child, it opens that child’s eyes to the possibilities they can achieve.

Toyota found great value in a child’s ability to confidently sell a product she created. This is the ultimate sign of success for this community investment. That confidence is not achieved overnight. It takes weeks of coaching and encouragement from the older mentors. This activity allows students to develop collaboration and communication skills. Additionally, it allows the students to see an example of a potential career path that is not necessarily in the classroom.

Expanding The Vision Across the Country

While this event took place in Kentucky, Toyota has a larger vision. They would like to expand similar programs across the country so that more students, regardless of their background or zip code, can have hands-on experiences in STEM fields.

The impact has thus far been evident. Students participating in programs through Driving Possibilities have developed greater confidence in their futures. 88% of students reported developing a better understanding of STEM-related careers. Students also expressed a higher interest in STEM education.

Toyota is helping create a more capable and prepared workforce by meeting students where they are and providing a safe environment to explore their ideas.