Marketplace for Kids is Coming to Roundup in 2024

Since 1995, Marketplace for Kids has been an annual school tradition in North Dakota. This year, the Marketplace is hoping to begin coming to schools in Montana and start the tradition here. What is Marketplace for Kids? Think of what you may know as "Career Day", and add a twist. The Marketplace for Kids is focused for a younger audience to help them direct their ideas. It gives them information about business, what kind of careers are in the local community, and opportunity to think of their own ideas or inventions. It offers information on how to take those ideas to the next level. Somewhat of a "Shark Tank", without the glamor of a TV show. Students are encouraged to create a project that could be a business idea, or an invention to bring to the Marketplace for Kids. They can then learn how to pursue that idea to make it become a reality. The day features presentations, focused education, the student projects, and wraps up with certificates and prizes.

The Marketplace for Kids has been very successful in North Dakota, and the project is a positive motivator for the students. However, the structure is already in place for North Dakota, and it is all new in Montana. Executive Director Robert Heitkamp explains that his team has been visiting Montana over the past year to see where the interest lies, and Roundup was one of those locations that seemed ready for the project. Roundup along with about four other schools, would be a flagship of the program to come to Montana. The program takes time to plan, as they have to make the local connections for careers in the area, and people from those careers who would be willing to participate in the presentations. They also need sponsors in order to cover costs of the planning and organization of the event, prizes, scheduling, certificates, and booklets. Robert explains that sponsors do more than get their name in a book, but they are helping the next generation to be interested in the future work force.

If you are willing to be a sponsor, a career educator, or would like to be of help, please reach out to Marketplace for Kids at http://www.marketplaceforkids.org, or you can contact Robert directly at 701-242-7744. You can also see an in-person video of my interview with Robert Heitkamp on Musselshell Media on Facebook or YouTube.