Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students apply their knowledge in real-world settings—working together, solving problems, and making a difference. At Sacred Heart High School, students did exactly that, building real businesses with one shared goal: giving back to their community. This month, a group of Grade 10 Business students took a short walk from the school to the Stittsville Food Bank. In their hands? A donation cheque for $8,500. But in their hearts, they carried something even bigger: pride in what they’d built together.
The donation marked the culmination of this year’s Sacred Heart Hope initiative, a student-led business program that ran as part of the OCSB’s Social Entrepreneurship Program (SEP). Over 170 students across six Grade 10 classes participated, each one discovering what it means to launch a business that doesn’t just sell, but gives back.
The Lemonade Stand Project—With a Twist
Affectionately nicknamed the “Lemonade Stand Project,” this hands-on initiative saw students form small business teams, brainstorm product ideas, create marketing strategies, and sell food and drink items during school lunch hours in December and again in late spring. From hot chocolate and baked goods to pizza, hot dogs, and cold drinks, creativity and teamwork were at the forefront.
But the real twist? Every single dollar of profit was donated to charity.
As part of SEP, students selected the ‘UN Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger’ as the focus for their businesses. This goal aims to create a world free of hunger by 2030—but progress has been challenged by the pandemic, climate change, and widening inequality. Currently, over 735 million people—approximately 9.2% of the world’s population—are experiencing chronic hunger. For Sacred Heart students, this global issue became personally relevant as they learned about food insecurity within their own community. It provided a powerful lens through which they could view their work, linking business decisions to social justice and understanding the importance of creating real, lasting impact.
In semester one, student businesses raised $4,000. By the end of semester two, they’d added $4,500 more. The timing of their final donation was especially meaningful: summer is often a quieter time for food bank contributions, but community need remains high.
Real-World Learning, Real-World Tools
This experience wasn’t just about pizza days and bake sales—it embraced the tools and trends of modern commerce. Students use Shopify’s online store platform and point-of-sale (POS) systems, enabling them to accept tap, debit, and credit payments—an innovative and practical addition in a world where fewer people carry cash.
The journey also included entrepreneurial “pitch sessions” where students presented their ideas to a panel of “Dragons,” inspired by the popular CBC television show Dragons’ Den. Many groups even took a trip to Walmart to budget and shop for their materials, managing everything from costs to packaging and promotion.
Learning That Lasts Beyond the Classroom
The SEP Program at Sacred Heart is a powerful example of Deep Learning in practice—equipping students with the global competencies they need to thrive not just in business, but in life.
- Citizenship was front and centre, as students tackled real-world challenges and supported their community through informed, purposeful action.
- Character came alive through perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to doing good.
- Communication was essential—whether pitching to the Dragons, marketing their products, or collaborating with peers.
- Critical Thinking showed up in every business plan, pricing model, and logistical challenge overcome.
- Collaboration was a cornerstone, as teams divided responsibilities, shared ideas, and supported each other from start to finish.
- Creativity flourished in product development, branding, and problem-solving skills that students will carry well beyond the classroom.
As the school year wraps up, the students behind the Sacred Heart Hope initiative have more than spreadsheets and sales reports to show for their efforts. They’ve built something meaningful—something that fed both minds and hearts.
It’s a blueprint for how we can teach students to lead with empathy, think like entrepreneurs, and act as changemakers in their communities. While they may have walked just a few blocks to deliver their donation, these students took a much longer journey—one of learning, leadership, and lasting impact.
