The Poughkeepsie Middle School School Store Start-Up Project seeks funding to create a student-operated school store that promotes financial literacy, responsibility, and real-world learning opportunities. The store will serve as a hands-on learning laboratory, where students can practice essential skills in math, communication, teamwork, and entrepreneurship, while providing affordable school supplies and spirit wear to their peers.

We are requesting any dollar amount to cover start-up expenses, including inventory, equipment, point-of-sale supplies, signage, and marketing materials. The long-term goal is for the store to become self-sustaining through sales revenue and student management.

The proposed school store will expand these opportunities by enabling students to acquire valuable job skills, collaborate with their peers, and experience the responsibilities of managing a business. The store will also align with our school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative by reinforcing positive behavior and responsibility. Students will have opportunities to earn and redeem PBIS rewards through the store, creating a practical and motivating connection between positive behavior and real-world outcomes.