Jennifer Cheatham and Kami Hyde

Cheatham’s and Hyde’s winning project idea, “Starting a Student-Led Business,” involves supporting Artesian Nation Outfitters, a student-led, work-based learning project designed to give high school students real-world business experience while building school spirit. The project includes students operating a school spirit shop where they design, produce and sell school-branded apparel using vinyl cutting, embroidery and screen printing. The teaching duo believes that through this project, students will learn entrepreneurship, graphic design, production skills, marketing, financial management and customer service. Student officers will lead the business in roles such as production, marketing, finance and sales, allowing them to develop leadership and workplace skills while managing day-to-day operations. Students will also get to use their creative skills and develop original designs, produce spirit wear for athletic teams and school organizations, and run pop-up shops at school events. Cheatham and Hyde believe their project provides hands-on career preparation while fostering creativity, teamwork and pride in the school community. They will use the Voya grant to purchase a vinyl cutter, heat press, blank apparel and vinyl supplies and storage.