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Handmade soaps, lip-glosses, candles and dog treats – the Boundary Elementary holiday fair has all the makings of a classic community craft fair. Only difference – everything has been designed and made completely by grades six and seven students.

"The students' creativity really amazed us. They came up with some very unique product ideas," said Mia Mavor, teacher, Boundary Elementary School.​

The holiday fair is the culmination of the young entrepreneurs program. The program teaches students how to generate a business idea; research the idea; create a financial plan; plan, design and build a product; market the product; and sell the product. The goal is to teach students hands-on skills that cut across curricular areas and translate into everyday life skills – such as money management, good research, proper planning, artistic applications, and people skills. It also allows students to be creative and to delve into something they are interested in.

Students at École Boundary Elementary chose a wide-array of products. From jewelry to picture frames, to animated paintings – just under 100 student entrepreneurs cumulatively created something for everyone. At the holiday fair, hundreds of students, parents, staff and community members packed the gym at the school.  Many students sold out of their items within an hour.

"I'm happy that I made money," said one student whose picture frames sold out in no time.

"I'm giving all of my proceeds to the SPCA," said another student who made bracelets. "I figured I'll make lots of money off of selling my bracelets, so I should donate it to something I really care about."

Other students where just happy to have been able to try to make something they like.

"I really love scented candles, so I decided to try to make them," said one young girl about her strawberry, holly and apple blossom scented candles.

The pride emanating from students and their parents was evident and added to the jovial atmosphere of the holiday fair. Not only was the young entrepreneur program educational for students, but it also proved to be a great way to bring the community together.