Peoria Christian School

At a Glance

In 2024, Peoria Christian School (PCS) in Peoria, Illinois, launched a student-led entrepreneurship program in partnership with Seed Tree Group, bringing fresh energy and innovation to the school community. Led by teacher Jennifer Sullivan and supported by Superintendent Angie Lyons, the program introduced students to entrepreneurial thinking while creating a student-run coffee shop that quickly became a hub of excitement and connection on campus.

The Big Opportunity

Peoria Christian was already exploring new ways to expand student experiences and elevate engagement. After hearing Stephen Carter speak at the “Funding the Future” conference hosted by Grand Canyon University in February 2024, Superintendent Angie Lyons recognized a natural fit.

“I was familiar with the former Superintendent from Cincinnati Hills and have great respect for the initiatives he implemented during his tenure,” said Lyons. “So, it was a natural next step to explore the opportunity further.”

The school saw entrepreneurship not only as a tool for career readiness, but as a way to cultivate joy, ownership, and deeper student involvement—infusing life into the day-to-day campus atmosphere.

Empowering the School

With guidance from Seed Tree Group and the on-the-ground leadership of Jennifer Sullivan, Peoria Christian launched its entrepreneurship initiative anchored in a real student-run business: a school-based coffee shop. Students took charge of everything from operations and customer service to marketing and seasonal drink development, applying the principles taught in the Foundations of Entrepreneurship class.

The program gave students the opportunity to lead, create, and bring tangible value to their peers—all while developing a growth mindset and learning how to make decisions rooted in personal mission and values.

Jennifer noted, “I think having the entrepreneurship program with the coffee shop in the school that is run by the students has livened up the school! I love seeing this extra boost of excitement in the student body.”

The Transformation

The coffee shop quickly became more than just a business—it became a gathering place. With monthly specialty drinks, student-designed marketing, and lines of enthusiastic customers, the shop brought a new sense of fun and color to campus life.

As Jennifer put it, “It’s almost like having the smoothies and lattes added color to our black and white school setting.” The program has energized the student body, offering both practical experience and a sense of ownership. Students feel seen, empowered, and excited to contribute to something meaningful.

Peoria Christian’s entrepreneurship program is now a vibrant piece of the school’s culture, with the momentum to influence both current students and future school-wide transformation.