225 Calhoun Street
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Student Enterprrise Program (StEP)
The Economics Center’s Student Enterprise Program (StEP) is a nationally recognized elementary school program that has shown a marked increase in student engagement, attendance, self-esteem, academic achievement, and educator effectiveness. The program addresses two key educational needs at an early age: the need for classroom engagement as well as the need for 21st century skills related to entrepreneurship, critical-thinking, and financial responsibility. StEP provides a safe learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Students are rewarded for positive choices related to academics, school attendance, and respect for fellow classmates and educators. Empowered by their ability to make choices, students become knowledgeable consumers, smart savers, and responsible citizens. Dater grants have assisted the Economics Center in broadening the reach of StEP, which serves about 6,000 students in 24 elementary schools throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Some teacher comments about StEP ...
"I work with students with special needs, in a self-contained classroom. They often are reserved and shy around unfamiliar people. Before the StEP store we normally practice ways of communication and etiquette. On this particular day, my student went in, greeted the staff and came out with the biggest smile on his face. I figured he was excited to have new markers and notebooks, but he simply say, "I love them because they make me feel like one of them just like you do!" From that day he has been an outstanding student. He completes his work and continuously expresses that he can't wait to see the "man with the suit on" again!" - Paige D, North College Hill Elementary
"One of my students with a spring birthday received some money from a grandparent. A few days later, the child told me that, just like we do at the StEP Store, she was going to spend a little, save a little, and donate a little. I don't think that economic decision would have come to her if it hadn't been through her experiences with StEP. She's on her way to becoming a responsible financial citizen." - Donna B,, Amity Elementary
"StEP provided quite a bit of incentive for students to behave properly, complete their work, etc. My students really wanted to earn all of their StEP dollars each week and had a weekly competition to see who could earn the most dollars per week. I LOVE everything about the program!" - Kathy A, Pleasant Run Elementary
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