Upcycling by PEP

This project, the Upcycling & Entrepreneurship Internship, provides our students with meaningful, hands-on experiences in craftsmanship, financial literacy, and customer service while also promoting sustainability and creativity.

Overview: Our PEP students collect items from local thrift stores and yard sales and transform them into functional and attractive pieces of furniture. The process includes budgeting for materials, measuring, sanding, painting, and refinishing.  Our students plan to market and sell their items at the ACC and Wakefield Holiday Bazaar and throughout the school year via an online sales platform.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Financial Literacy: Budgeting, money management, and understanding profit versus expenses.
• Vocational Skills: Measuring, sanding, painting, safe tool use, and craftsmanship.
• Entrepreneurship & Customer Service: Marketing, sales, and customer interaction.
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving, and time management.

Benefits This internship aligns with our program’s mission to prepare students for employment and independent living by:

• Provides authentic, transferable job skills.
• Builds confidence through entrepreneurship.
• Creates community connections and partnerships.
• Allows students to showcase their creativity and abilities.