Something for everyone at TREP$ Marketplace
VERNON — The TREP$ Marketplace will be held Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will offer an assortment of handmade items including duct tape wallets, candy wrapper purses, hair accessories, slime, handmade jewelry, marshmallow shooters, magnets, knit scarves, and homemade dog treats.
Cookies, cake pops, and homemade candy are just a few of the products that will also be available.
All items will be available for purchase to all cash-carrying members of the public attending the TREP$ Marketplace at Lounsberry Hollow Middle School in Vernon.
The TREP$ Marketplace is a unique flea-market style event in that all of the vendors are children in sixth grade. Over the past few months, more than 75 children from Lounsberry Hollow Middle School have been participating in the award-winning TREP$ program (www.trepsed.com) where they have learned the basics of entrepreneurship.
The initiative is designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and to put their ideas into action by creating a new business.
"Educating our young people about entrepreneurship and reinforcing the value that entrepreneurs and innovators bring to our economy is critical to America’s long-term prosperity — more so now than ever before," said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
According to Kauffman Foundation research, 41 percent of children ages 9 to 12 say they would like to start their own business.
"Young people have a natural desire for the independence and control that comes with owning a business and being their own boss," Schramm said.
TREP$ co-founder, Hayley Romano, added, "TREP$ takes that desire and turns it into a concrete learning experience from which the kids benefit in so many ways."
Pamela deWaal, Romano’s partner, agreed. "Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense of control over their lives and futures," deWaal said.
“With the support of the community, the young participants of TREP$ will learn the value of creativity, motivation, and hard work.”