Students sell their wares tonight at TREP$ Marketplace

Vernon — The Lounsberry Hollow Middle School in Vernon will host its TREP$ Marketplace tonight, April 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Duct tape wallets, bracelets, jewelry, and accessories. handmade crafts, custom T-shirts, and homemade dog treats are just a few of the items that will be for sale. The TREP$ Marketplace is a flea-market style event where all of the vendors are sixth-grade students. Over the past few months, over 50 children have been participating in the award-winning TREP$ program (www.trepsed.com) where they have learned the basics of entrepreneurship. On April 29, they will put all that they have learned to the test as they launch their own businesses for the night, according to school officials. The initiative is designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and to put their ideas into action by creating a new business. “TREP$ takes that desire and turns it into a concrete learning experience from which the kids benefit in so many ways,” said TREP$ Co-Founder Hayley Romano. “Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense of control over their lives and futures,” said Pamela deWaal, Romano’s partner. “With the support of the community, the young participants of TREP$ will learn the value of creativity, motivation, and hard work.” For more information, call 973-764-8745.