The Junior Achievement program is a non-profit organization that helps young people grow and develop their business skills by running their own businesses. 

Vanier Collegiate’s Entrepreneurship 30 class has been doing the program since 2009; This year, the class created two different businesses.  

Prairie Sky Apparel: A clothing company designed to keep you warm and cozy during the cold Canadian winter months. They sold hoodies, crewnecks, t-shirts, sweatpants, and the ‘Prairie Bundle,’ which featured a matching set of hoodies and sweatpants. 

MixInc.: A soup mix company that provided 2 different styles of dry mix that’s quick and easy to make, also keeping you warm during the cold winter. The two different mixes were called ‘Kick Butt Chicken Soup’ and ‘Vegetable Medley.’ 

Both groups saw immense success with their businesses. 

Prairie Sky made a whopping net income of $4,451.71. After paying their dividends and donating 20% to the Journey to Hope foundation, each of the 22 students walked away with $161.88. 

prairieskyPrairie Sky Apparel presenting Journey to Hope with $890.34.

MixInc. gathered a net income of only $2279.92, however, after settling their dividends and the 20% donation to Hunger in Moose Jaw, each of the 9 students pocketed $202.66. 

mixincMixInc. presented $455.98 on behalf of Hunger in Moose Jaw.

Many of the students were pleased with their classmates, and the money they got to take home. 

“It was amazing, I learned a lot... I walked away with a [class] credit and money, what more could I ask for?” says MixInc. President, Stephen Walcer. 

MixInc. Head of Human Resources, Lance Santos, shared what he was going to do with his $200. 

“Not savings, that’s for sure! I’m probably going to buy something for myself and treat myself.” 

Both gentlemen also advised young entrepreneurs to stay consistent with bookkeeping, since organization is very important, and also, to enjoy whatever it is you’re doing so it doesn’t feel like work. 

The Business Education Teacher and Career Counsellor at Vanier, Christa LaPointe, was thrilled for her students. 

“It’s great to see the students succeed, challenge themselves, improve as young individuals, and really come together as teams. Also, to give back to their community, and gain some life skills for outside of high school... The students are very proud of themselves and each other, and what they’ve accomplished throughout the semester.” 

For more on the Junior Achievement program at Vanier, click here.