Grove City College students raised more than $4,900 for area charities as part of an Entrepreneurship class that teaches students how to create, market and sell products online.
The donations are the proceeds of businesses that students started in the eCommerce course taught by Yvonne J. English ’97, professor and executive director of the College’s Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I). Students learned about the essential components of a successful online enterprise, in part, through working in teams to design and operate their own digital businesses during the semester.
“This year’s class had a variety of interests and really went the extra mile to serve their charities while learning how to start and run real eCommerce ventures,” English said. “I’m so proud of their impressive results and am excited about the good work that my students were able to support in the local community.”
In all, four student businesses raised $4,939.41, leading to donations totaling $4,280.99 to charities selected by the teams.
- Spice of Life – Zero calorie sugar-free spices to add to coffee or tea produced and marketed by Jake Holt '24, David Kraus '23, Logan Mays '24, and Oliver Schwarz '25. Proceeds benefit Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, Pa.
- Faros Initiative – Handmade wristwear products crafted to raise awareness of human trafficking made and marketed by Jacob Graham '24, Joey Guida '24, Peter Judge '25, and David Lugo '25. Proceeds benefit Refuge for Women Pittsburgh.
- Such Things Leather – Leather handcrafted goods that support the local and global church produced and marketed by Ethan David ‘24, Caroline Dawson ‘25, Gabe Dunlap '24, and Luke Mantzell '24. Proceeds benefit Truth and Grace Fellowship, Hermitage, Pa.
- Silky Locks – Silk scrunchies that improve the look and feel of hair and prevent breakage, frizz, and scalp soreness made and marketed by Katie Blendermann '24, Emma O'Toole '23, Dylan Sim '23, and Tessa Stewart '25. Proceeds benefit The Pink Pamper, a Pittsburgh nonprofit that serves women with cancer.
The student businesses were featured at Venture Village during last year’s Homecoming celebration.
Over the last six classes, eCommerce businesses have generated $37,066.09 with $21,339.77 going to local charities.
Grove City College’s Entrepreneurship program, which includes both the academic Department of Entrepreneurship and the Center for E+I, which serves students of all majors, is recognized as a national model for other colleges and universities by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The Department of Entrepreneurship is part of Grove City College’s School of Business.
For more, visit gccentrepreneurship.com.