Before school let out for the summer, a fifth-grade class at Mid-Prairie Middle School was able to get some real-world experience while supporting a local business. The students recently made $750 for Paws & More Animal Shelter as part of their financial literacy unit.

During the unit, students engage in a project that allows them to start their own business. Prior to this point, teacher, Michelle Bessman guided the class through topics such as start-up costs, profits, and the importance of shopping local. Once the groundwork had been laid, Bessman’s class decided they were going to sell Smarties and then donate their profits to the local animal shelter.

The business exceeded expectations, far-surpassing the original goal of earning $100. Bessman told KCII the challenges she faced as the business began to thrive. “I was worried about how we were going to fill all these orders before the end of the school year, and I was also worried about where I was going to find more Smarties. I bought three HyVee’s out of Smarties and I was really worried. Where do I go next?”

Students in Bessman’s class were able to present the money they earned to Paws & More last Tuesday.