May 21, 2025
In collaboration with Saint Mary Interparochial School, 901 Education hosted the 8th Grade Final Entrepreneurship Showcase at Thomas Jefferson University’s (East Falls Campus), where students presented their year-long projects to families, educators, professional partners and community mentors.
This year’s challenge-developed in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia-tasked students with designing Welcome Kits to support families during their stay. The program integrates business, design thinking, service leadership and technology, giving students the tools to apply real-world skills in a meaningful context.
As a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and the first elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to offer a formal Entrepreneurship course, Saint Mary continues to lead with purpose. Rooted in STREAM principles, the program provides students with an authentic, real-world experience where creativity and compassion intersect. From product development and branding to pitching and prototyping, students gained invaluable insights into what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
Throughout the school year, students collaborated with professionals across diverse fields including:
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Product Design
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Graphic Design
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Marketing & Branding
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Innovation & Technology
At the culminating Final Showcase, students walked their audience through the full design process-from early brainstorming to their finalized prototypes-highlighting what they learned along the way. As student Ida J. reflected,
“Working with professionals broadened our perspective and helped elevate our ideas.”
The showcase was opened by keynote speakers Dr. Elizabeth Ruskey and Dr. John Ruskey, whose reflections on empathy in leadership and overcoming adversity deeply resonated with students and guests alike.
The program’s success was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of Saint Mary’s incredible educators-Lauren Huot and Judy Sanicky-whose vision and dedication continue to strengthen this experience year after year. Special thanks also go to Jayda Pugliese and Christina Ruskey-Haciski, whose leadership and partnership have helped shape this initiative into a lasting and meaningful experience for students.
We are especially grateful to RMHC Philly for going above and beyond as a community partner. Their team provided field trips, guest talks and ongoing mentorship that helped students stay connected to their mission. A heartfelt thank you to Thomas Jefferson University for providing such a beautiful presentation space and also to their amazing work-study students who have supported this effort over the years.
To our entire 901 Network of volunteers, mentors and donors-we appreciate you sharing your time, knowledge, resources and encouragement. You’ve helped our students gain the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to be thriving young leaders!
By the Numbers: Two Years of Impact
Across two years of collaboration with RMHC Philly, Saint Mary’s 8th grade students have:
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Donated 47 Welcome Kits
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Raised $2,404 to fund kit supplies
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Engaged 83 student volunteers
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Created commercials reaching 2,139 views on Facebook and 6,673 plays on Instagram
Click here to view the full article on 901 Education's website
