The STRIVE program spends much of the school day participating in internship and volunteer experiences in order to develop necessary skills for employment.  One important concept we focus on is entrepreneurship.  We like to make and create different things as if you owned a business. We discuss business ownership and the components that go along with it. 

As part of our creative entrepreneurship, we came up with an idea to make a quilt using all the Ridgefield t-shirts the staff have accumulated over the years.  There were many steps in this process and many staff and STRIVE students were involved in the process. 

The first big step was to get the t-shirts that we would need to create the quilt.  We decided to send out an email to the entire district asking for donations of t-shirts they no longer want.  Then we had to wash all the t-shirts.  Next, we had to cut off the front of the t-shirt that had the design on it.  Then we had to iron all the shirts and iron on special fusing to make the material firmer.  Next, we had to cut the ironed shirts into perfect squares.  Finally, the sewing would begin.  

Many students helped with each step.  We did a lot of laundry, a lot of cutting, a lot of ironing, and a lot of sewing.  The students and staff are all very proud of the quilt and hope it is enjoyed by everyone for years to come.