May 21, 2025

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In collaboration with Saint Mary Interparochial School, 901 Education hosted the 8th Grade Final Entrepreneurship Showcase at Thomas Jefferson University’s (East Falls Campus), where students presented their year-long projects to families, educators, professional partners and community mentors.

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This year’s challenge-developed in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia-tasked students with designing Welcome Kits to support families during their stay. The program integrates business, design thinking, service leadership and technology, giving students the tools to apply real-world skills in a meaningful context.

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As a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and the first elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to offer a formal Entrepreneurship course, Saint Mary continues to lead with purpose. Rooted in STREAM principles, the program provides students with an authentic, real-world experience where creativity and compassion intersect. From product development and branding to pitching and prototyping, students gained invaluable insights into what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

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Throughout the school year, students collaborated with professionals across diverse fields including:

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• Product Design

• Graphic Design

• Marketing & Branding

• Innovation & Technology
   

At the culminating Final Showcase, students walked their audience through the full design process-from early brainstorming to their finalized prototypes-highlighting what they learned along the way. As student Ida J. reflected:

 

“Working with professionals broadened our perspective and helped elevate our ideas.”

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The showcase was opened by keynote speakers Dr. Elizabeth Ruskey and Dr. John Ruskey, whose reflections on empathy in leadership and overcoming adversity deeply resonated with students and guests alike.

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The program’s success was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of Saint Mary’s incredible educators-Lauren Huot and Judy Sanicky-whose vision and dedication continue to strengthen this experience year after year. Special thanks also go to Jayda Pugliese and Christina Ruskey-Haciski, whose leadership and partnership have helped shape this initiative into a lasting and meaningful experience for students.

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We are especially grateful to RMHC Philly for going above and beyond as a community partner. Their team provided field trips, guest talks and ongoing mentorship that helped students stay connected to their mission. A heartfelt thank you to Thomas Jefferson University for providing such a beautiful presentation space and also to their amazing work-study students who have supported this effort over the years.

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To our entire 901 Network of volunteers, mentors and donors-we appreciate you sharing your time, knowledge, resources and encouragement. You’ve helped our students gain the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to be thriving young leaders!

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By the Numbers: Two Years of Impact

Across two years of collaboration with RMHC Philly, Saint Mary’s 8th grade students have:

• Donated 47 Welcome Kits
   

• Raised $2,404 to fund kit supplies
   

• Engaged 83 professional volunteers
   

• Created commercials reaching 2,139 views on Facebook and 6,673 plays on Instagram