Youth Marketplace Pictures and Testimonials

"Youth Marketplace is a fun experience that helps you to talk to customers, create a product, and earn money! Best of all, you are in charge of your own business!"

-Sam Larsen-Ferree, Student

"It's an excellent idea to teach kids what it's like to borrow, the risk involved in business, and the teamwork involved in running a business. It also gives them a chance to experience the reward of making something themselves and earning money from their own hard work."

-Lee Slot, Parent

"Students learned how to determine needs for products and services in the community, developed business plans, obtained loans from a local lending institution, purchased materials for manufacturing products, created business cards, determined marketing and advertising strategies, sold products and services and evaluated successes and realized how to become more successful in future endeavors."

-Mike Korf, Teacher

"I think these types of activities are crucial to the future of our country."

-Tony Hotchkiss, Bank Sponsor

"I learned a lot about making and owning a business...like how to apply for a loan, find a breakeven, and how to spell entrepreneur!"

-Meghan Hackerson, Student

"I think it was a wonderful opportunity for the kids involved. The learned so much, and I know they had lots of fun in the process. Thank you for making this such a great experience for them!"

-Norma Sandvick, Parent

"In my twenty-eight years of teaching, this was one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences I've had as a teacher. Much more important than that, the Youth Marketplace was an outstanding opportunity for students.
Everyone had a chance to shine and be successful. It (the program) definitely used their reading, writing, math and speaking skills in a very authentic way."

-Donna Holtan, Teacher

"Youth Marketplace, with its excellent curriculum -- student, teacher and coordinator guides -- gives students an opportunity to turn creative ideas into marketable products and services. The hands-on learning, from idea development to working with bank loan officers, engages students more effectively and promotes a more positive learning experience than just studying about entrepreneurism from a textbook."

-Amy Nossamann, County Extension Director

"This program provides an avenue to broaden the career horizons of our youth. Any community wishing to promote entrepreneurship and attracting their youth to become life long residents would be well served in using this program."

-Jim Offenbacker, Bedford Area Economic Development

"This is a great program for the students, parents, teachers, and community members. It was one of the best self-motivating programs I have ever worked with!!!"

-Todd Knobloch, Principal