Thanks to Sanborn Elementary, one lucky dog will get a cozy place to relax outdoors when they get adopted. As part of the school’s entrepreneurial club, also known as the DragonPrenure’s Club, students designed and constructed a doghouse, which they donated to the Longmont Humane Society.
The inspiration for this project began after Noah Tank, a long-term guest teacher, ran several innovation labs at Sanborn and saw a need for students to have more opportunities to learn about potential career paths. “When I discovered a student already had a business selling pupcakes, it was a natural next step to create an adoption bundle with pupcakes and a doghouse,” shared Tank. Sanborn staff embraced the idea as a way to teach students about business and make a positive impact in the community.
With the help of their teachers, students participated in the entrepreneurial process, which guided them through brainstorming ideas for the bundle, devising ways to make the doghouse appealing for buyers, and eventually designing and constructing the doghouse. “Everything was done by students, and many experienced a project like this for the first time,” said Tank.
The construction process was a team effort, with students and parent volunteers coming together for two build days. “It allowed parents to see and experience the opportunities their children have at school and students were able to actually see their designs come to life. They also practiced their problem-solving skills after experiencing a few complications.”
During the project, students learned about project management, teamwork, and how to use tools responsibly. They also discovered the importance of staying focused and accountable when working in a group. Additionally, they gained experience in graphic design while creating a logo for the Entrepreneurial Club and digital advertising for the doghouse.
“The DragonPrenure’s Club helped me learn how to work better as part of a team. I improved my building skills too. Before I joined the club, I already knew how to use a drill, hammer, and all the other basic tools, but I didn’t know that electric sanders were a thing. I also learned about strategy, how to improvise, and how to solve problems. The best part of the club was the teamwork. Everyone worked well together, and I hope we get to do it again next year.”
As the completed doghouse was handed over to staff from the Longmont Humane Society, students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that their creation would benefit a dog in need. According to Tank, “The students loved that their doghouse was being donated. Many of them were in awe that something they made was going to be used by a real organization.” The Humane Society plans to use the doghouse as an incentive to help one of their older residents find a forever home.