An 8-week Saturday Academy program teaches Marley Middle School students budgeting, marketing, and teamwork through a student-run T-shirt business.

The Education Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to help Marley Middle School launch a Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Program,  addressing the need for hands-on, real-world business education outside the regular school day.

Held Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the 8-week program gave students professional equipment, including a heat press, Cricut machine, cutting mats, tool sets, and bulk T-shirts, to design and produce their own custom apparel. Students also learned budgeting, marketing, product design, and profit management.

Local entrepreneurs Sheretha Moore, Sharlena Barrow, and DeWayne Herbert mentored students throughout the program, sharing real business experience and inspiring students to consider future careers. Students left with new confidence, practical equipment skills, and a sense of pride in what they built and many are already asking for the program to return next year.

“This program helped me learn how to run a business and understand how money works.” — Ashley, student at Marley Middle School.

“The shirts we made looked really professional, and it made me feel proud of what we created.” — Greyson, student at Marley Middle School.

“This class gave students opportunities they normally would not have had. They learned teamwork, creativity, and business skills in a fun environment.” — Darling Membreno, Teacher at Marley Middle School.