In a recent initiative at West Hanover Elementary, Anita Weikel and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), sparked an interest in entrepreneurship among fourth-grade students through the Junior Achievement (JA) program “Our Region.”
Over the course of five Fridays in January and February, students engaged in hands-on activities aimed at teaching the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Under the guidance of Weikel, students explored concepts such as supply chains, regional resources, and business problem-solving. Students went on to craft their own business ideas, navigate the complexities of the supply chain, and learned the importance of resources in offering products and services. These sessions not only provided valuable insight into entrepreneurship but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in education.
Several notable student projects emerged from the program. One student envisioned a recycling business that could help clean up the neighborhood and create jobs, showing an early understanding of social entrepreneurship. Another group of students, inspired by the supply chain activity, brainstormed a business plan for a locally sourced hotdog stand. These examples demonstrate the impact of the program in fostering creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among the students.
Through the JA Our Region program, the pillars of Student Success—Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and Work Readiness—were not just reached; they were embraced. These lessons, aligned with national and state standards, equip students with more than just academic knowledge. They prepare them for a demanding and ever-changing workforce, instilling in them the creativity, problem-solving skills, and financial savvy needed for future success.
Looking forward, CREDC’s journey into the future is paved with ambitious goals not only in education but also in economic development. Our next chapter seeks to intertwine the principles of entrepreneurship taught in classrooms with the broader mission of fostering economic growth and resilience within our region. By cultivating a generation that understands the value of innovation, resourcefulness, and economic savvy, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving local economy.
Plans to expand our outreach include engaging with different educational levels and new communities, all while maintaining a laser focus on the pillars of economic development: supporting startups, facilitating business growth, and enhancing workforce readiness. The vision is clear— we are working to create a symbiotic relationship where educational initiatives empower students to contribute positively to their local economies, thereby driving regional prosperity. This holistic approach ensures that the entrepreneurial spirit fostered in classrooms today becomes the driving force of our economy tomorrow.
Our engagement with Mr. Schreiber’s 4th grade class was a steppingstone toward a future where education and economic development go hand in hand. As we anticipate the Chamber & CREDC’s next moves, we’re reminded that the journey to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and economic leaders is ongoing and full of potential. Together, we’re on the path to creating a brighter economic future.
Join us in this impactful journey! Your involvement with Junior Achievement and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC can inspire young minds and contribute to our region’s economic future. Let’s work together to make a difference.
