Overview of the OCSB SEP
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.
Paired with a community business partner, students and educators research social issues, choose a charity and/or community partner 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.
Deep Learning At It's Finest!
This learning experience is deep learning in action. It is an authentic learning experience with a focus on voice, inclusion and agency—for all students. SEP aligns with our Board vision - integrating the Four Elements with the Global Competencies to create innovative opportunities for students.
See the OCSB CCEL (Community-Connected Experiential Learning) website for detailed information.
Program Outline
It's as simple as one, two, three!
Select a social issue & charity using UNSDGs as your guide.
Build the social enterprise that will make a difference.
Showcase and sell real products with your own Shopify store.
Then celebrate your efforts!
Detailed Program Outline & Links to Content
Program Outline: Part I
UN Sustainable Development Goals & Canada & the SDGs as a research resource
Consider inviting a guest speaker to join your class
Local, Global
Meet and talk with charity representative
Document your Journey with a Shopify Website
Create Social Enterprise
Mission, Vision, Logo, etc
Consider using the Business Model Canvas
Develop one or more of:
Product, Service or create Awareness
Organize into teams/groups
Shopify admins, Product groups, Marketing, etc
Plan & Deliver
General Program Outline: Part II
Consider Raising Seed Funds
Students provide "Elevator pitch" to Board staff; principal; parent council.
As a repayable from profits, 0% loan
Example of Seed Elevator Pitch
Provide any Profits to Selected Charity(s)
Celebrate Success at Year End
Consider sending your SEP this year to the "SEP Showcase" in May - date and location TBD.
Actual checks to suppliers and to selected charities (latest June 27)
Last day of Shopify sales expected to be end of day on June 11, 2025 (To be confirmed)
Reconciliation/payments to local school bank accounts (from Shopify payments) latest: June 27th
Seed Money Requests:
If your product/service/awareness requires seed money to get started, please apply to our repayable loan.
OCSB SEP rises in the House of Commons
The students of St. Gregory set a challenge to pitch a class visit to their MP Anita Vandenbeld (Ottawa West-Nepan). On the 20th of February, the students hosted Anita for an afternoon of presentations and demonstrations. They shared their passion in raising money for the Ottawa Food Bank; and guided Anita through jewlery making, water colour card creation, soap sales, and 3D printed cards. Being mindful of the opportunity infront of them the students gave Anita a special card and key chain for the Prime Minister. Anita delivered the gifts, and on Monday, March 18, 2024, stood in the House of Commons to share her experience with the students. Watch the video!
Featured Video of the Week
The students of Holy Redeemer School together with their amazing educator, Maria Babineau have created the "Ronald McDonald House Club" where they meet over their lunch and recess to create a social enterprise that helps kids at the Ronald McDonald House of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
This year they are raising funds by selling hot chocolate making RMH Kindness Kits - bags filled with snacks, activities or personal care products families can use for their trip to the hospital!
Help them out through their website!
St Emily Grade 5 students "Eagles United 4 Peace"
St Elizabeth Ann Seton Grade 5 Students with their Climate World SEP.
See their Shopify store at: https://climateworld.myshopify.com/
The grade 11 students of Sacred Heart High School talk about their social enterprise - Sacred Shades.
Holy Redeemer Grade 4/5 Students with their Ronald MacDonald House Gaming Cart. See their Shopify store at: https://smileswitchcarts.myshopify.com/
CTV News Jan 29, 2024
Click here to watch CTV Video:
Students in the Ottawa Catholic School Board are learning how to be entrepreneurs, while aiming to make a difference in the community.
"The learning opportunity to create social entrepreneurs, and the social part is the key aspect — making a difference in our community," says teacher Carol Mok at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Barrhaven. "You can learn all you want through theory, but it's not the same as actually doing it. They can see just how long it takes, how much effort it takes."
Her Grade 11 business class participates in the program by creating a brand and marketing, and selling hoodies and toques with profits going to the Ottawa Mission. Click for more
We are excited by release of paper by NPDL A “Big Tent” Strategy for System-Wide Transformation: Seeking Deep Learning in Ottawa.
Authored by Sarah Fine and Jal Mehta, this paper presents A Promising Proof Point for System-Wide Change based critically around Deep Learning. It explores real stories of sustained shift in Learning, Teaching and Leadership, driven by a relentless focus on creating the conditions for all learners to develop the Six Global Competencies of Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking.
Our Deep Thanks to Ottawa Catholic School Board for generous access to the people, across the system, who contributed to this research.
