Fort Osage secures home for new CTC Entrepreneurial Studies program

​     The Fort Osage Board of Education took action at their June 8, 2021, meeting to purchase the former Rockin B Mercantile and Coffee Shop located at 26911 E US Hwy 24, Buckner, MO. The property sits between the District’s main campus and Buckner, MO.   
     “This is a tremendous opportunity for students and our community. Operating a business requires a set of skills that will help students well into the future. Beyond this learning experience for students, our goal is to create a welcoming environment for community members of all ages to enjoy,” Dr. Jason Snodgrass, Superintendent of Schools said.
     The business will be the new home of the Entrepreneurial Studies program from the Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage. Students in this program are from Fort Osage, Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Oak Grove school districts.  
     Entrepreneurial Studies explores entrepreneurship through running a fully functional student run business. Students will learn about store operations, customer service, marketing and inventory management by operating the new business under the direction of their instructor and a food service manager.
     Other programs from the Career and Technology Center that will be involved the first year include the marketing and culinary arts programs. 
     The business will be renamed by a committee of staff, students, and community members this summer. The entrepreneur students will begin class at the new location when school begins in August. A tentative opening of the coffee shop is scheduled for October 2021. Once open, the business will serve coffee and a limited food menu. Future plans include an event/meeting space for Fort Osage staff and the community.
     The student-run business is part of the District’s strategic initiative of Real World Learning that increases the number of graduates who leave high school ready for post secondary learning, work and life.
     “We are excited to further our work of ensuring all students are successful beyond high school by preparing them to continue their education or enter the workforce. This is just one of many opportunities Fort Osage is engaged in to provide real world learning opportunities for our students,” Snodgrass said.