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It’s printing — newsletters, business cards, notepads, envelopes and brochures. All done by a class that also is a business venture undertaken by students, staff and a team of adult volunteers.
The Student Press print shop has been operating for more than 20 years, but in the last few years it has focused on becoming a competitive and successful bidder for jobs outside the school.
It’s a direction that has produced a handsome payoff. The Student Press is expected to reach $120,000 to $150,000 in sales this year and make a $40,000 profit that goes directly to DeLaSalle, a private alternative school at 3740 Forest Ave.
This giving back to the school doesn’t go unnoticed among the 24 students enrolled in the program.
“You’re giving back to the school. You’re helping,” said Montae Wells, a 17-year-old junior. “And I’m learning different things.”
The students earn either a practical arts or an elective credit for the class, which is offered in two-hour blocks every day.
Most of the Student Press’ business comes from nonprofits.
Business manager Pat Lantz said nonprofits understand the class mission of being a “social enterprise,” an organization in business for a social purpose. However, the class is working hard on getting jobs from more for-profit businesses, such as a recent job for Whole Foods.
At the core of Student Press is teaching the students very real business skills, Lantz said.
It’s the students who make the pitches on sales calls. It’s the students pouring the ink into the printing machines. It’s the students using Adobe Photoshop on the computers.
In addition to the volunteers who guide the students, the program depends on donations to keep the operation current.
For example, it has gotten four iMacs and a Mac G5 through a grant from the Jacob L. and Ella C. Loose Foundation; a plate-making system from J.B. Enterprises, a graphics supplies and service company; and a color copier from Toshiba Business Solutions and Ameristar.
“It is what we needed to have to do business,” Lantz said.
Sheree Grimmett, a 19-year-old senior, became interested in the class when she overheard other students talking in the hallways.
Sheree said the class has helped in many ways, including attendance.
“I heard people say, ‘I have print shop — I can’t wait.’ ”
Don’t forget…
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is organizing Fetch Fur Pets, a contest for kids in grades K-12 to organize a fundraising event to help homeless pets. The top two schools/groups will present their check March 9 to Gary Lezak during the Kansas City Pet Telethon. For more information, call Robin Rowland at 913-596-1000, ext. 14.
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