Ottawa Catholic School Board Social Entrepreneurs Program
(OCSBSEP)
Inspiring Youth to Make a Difference
What is the OCSBSEP?
The OCSB Social Entrepreneurs Program (SEP) is an exciting Deep Learning opportunity for K-12 students to participate in an enriching, business oriented, and student-led initiative where they gain entrepreneurial experience, develop innovative mindsets and Global Competencies (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Character, Citizenship).
Paired with a community business partner, students and educators research social issues, choose a charity to support and work on building a social enterprise. Students gain an understanding that they are global citizens and changemakers who have an impact on the world around them.
The world is changing, and changing fast. We believe that the best way to prepare our young learners for the future is to help them develop skills and competencies that they can use in careers that might not even exist today.
Program Highlights
Students Select Social Issue & Charities
Students research social issues and select a cause they are passionate about & a charity that aligns with their social issue.
Students Create a Social Enterprise
Students then begin to create their own social enterprise and decide to build products, a service or create an awareness around their social issues & charity. All profits from the sale of products or services go to support the charity chosen.
Results for 2021-22 School Year
1000+
Students
45
Educators
$15k+
Raised for Charities
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Testimonials
Gavin Mosely, Volunteer Business Mentor
"We're teaching kids that being a good entrepreneur means helping others while you earn a living, and that giving back to your community and planet are an essential part of being in business.
Participating in this program has been one of the best things I've ever done - we all get busy....but there's no better mental health practice that I do that tops how I feel after a session with the bright young minds that will one day run the future business community."
Isabelle Clermont & Leanne Kavanagh-Endicott Grade 6 Teachers @ St George School
"The SEP initiative has been a very positive experience for us, as well as, our students. In fact, we feel it is exactly what we needed after facing two years of restrictions and various limitations in the classroom. It has helped to rejuvenate our energy and love of teaching.
Our students are thriving, having had countless opportunities to have their voices heard, to collaborate with one another, and showcase their creative talents. We have learned alongside them and are really proud at how far we have come as a team.
We also love that we have a business mentor to guide us along. It is great to know we are not alone in this venture and our students have definitely benefited from his expertise and have enjoyed having another leader/adult to run ideas by. The whole experience has brought us together and enabled us to connect and form different community partnerships which, we would say, is an invaluable experience. "
Jacqueline Lawlor, Grade 3/4 Teacher @ St George School
"The SEP program has been a game changer in my classroom.
While the innumerable curriculum connections are significant, the most remarkable aspect of the program has been the sense of community created in the classroom. Having the students all working together towards a common goal has given them a strong sense of belonging.
We vote on all decisions and we listen respectfully to all opinions and ideas.
They are each proud representatives of their business within the school community —so much so that they have asked if the Bumble Squad can continue through the summer!"
