On Wednesday, December 17, Burrowes Elementary School became a place where learning felt alive with purpose. The library buzzed with anticipation as fifth grade students prepared to present their ideas during Bobcat Bank, a Shark Tank-style experience that placed students at the center of problem solving, creativity, and leadership.
Now in its second year, Bobcat Bank challenges students to look closely at their own school community and respond to a real need. This year’s focus was chronic absenteeism, an issue that affects student learning, relationships, and long-term success. Rather than approaching the topic through worksheets or lectures, students were asked to become innovators. Working in small groups, they collaborated to design solutions that could help improve attendance at their school.
Each team developed a full business plan, thinking through marketing strategies, sales approaches, and research and development. Students analyzed the problem, discussed what might motivate their peers, and practiced compromise and time management as they refined their ideas. The process required teamwork, critical thinking, and communication, skills that extend far beyond a single project.
Students then presented their proposals to a panel of community judges, who evaluated each presentation using a rubric focused on creativity, teamwork, presentation skills, and understanding of the product. Among the judges was Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe, who joined the event not only as a state leader but as a proud Bobcat. As she listened to students confidently explain their ideas, she witnessed firsthand how engaging, hands-on learning experiences help students connect classroom concepts to real-world impact.
Dr. Carrie Rowe shared that experiences like Bobcat Bank empower students to think strategically, collaborate with others, and have fun while learning. By placing students in authentic roles and trusting them to tackle meaningful challenges, schools help build the workforce skills students will need long after they leave the classroom.
Alongside Dr. Rowe, several community leaders and district staff served on the panel:
- Magisterial District Judge Andrew Lefever District 02-2-04
- Senator Scott Martin PA District 13
- Dr. April Hershey, Assistant Superintendent SDoL
- Ms. Michele Duroni, Principal, Burrowes Elementary School
- Ms. Korynn Wagner, Interim Assistant Director of School Climate for SDoL
The event reflected Burrowes Elementary School’s commitment to student voice and community partnership. Dr. Alex Rohrer, Senior Community School Director, emphasized that Bobcat Bank allows students to think as innovators while inviting community members into the building to learn directly from students. The experience created space for meaningful dialogue between students and adults, highlighting how schools and communities can work together to support student success.
“Bobcat Bank empowers our fifth graders to think as innovators and problem-solvers. By tackling real challenges, like chronic absenteeism, students learn collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in a way that connects classroom learning to real-world impact,” said Dr. Alex Rohrer, Senior Community School Director at Burrowes Elementary School. “This project reflects our commitment to student voice and community partnership. Schools are constantly looking for creative ways to engage their communities within their building, and Bobcat Bank does just that. Community members are able to not only participate in a student-run learning experience but also hear directly from one of their most important stakeholders in the work that they do in their day-to-day role. We are so grateful to host Secretary Rowe and PDE to showcase the excellent education we provide here at Burrowes Elementary.”
Bobcat Bank was created by school counselor Lauren Clemens, who wanted to make college and career readiness standards feel relevant and exciting. Rather than teaching those skills in isolation, she designed a project that brought them to life. The impact was immediate. Students were eager to participate, asking to work on their projects during recess and even at home. Their enthusiasm underscored a powerful truth. When learning is engaging, interactive, and connected to students’ lives, students thrive.
“As a school counselor, the goal was to turn career standards into something real and exciting for our students. Too often, meeting those goals through traditional lessons feels boring or disconnected. That’s why I created Bobcat Bank, so we could offer students a hands-on project that inspires students while also teaching important skills like teamwork, communication, and so much more,” said Lauren Clemens, school counselor. “When I walk into a classroom, students light up because they know it’s time for Bobcat Bank. Students were so excited they were asking to skip recess and work on the project as homework. Their enthusiasm proves that when learning is engaging, relevant, fun, and interactive, students truly thrive, which is exactly what we want here at Burrowes!”
Addressing chronic absenteeism is a priority goal for the School District of Lancaster, which aims to reduce the number of habitually absent students by 5 percent by 2029. The district is large, diverse, and urban, serving more than 11,000 students from varied backgrounds. The district offers rigorous programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Career Programmes, extensive arts, and career training, focusing on academic excellence, belonging, and community engagement. With historic schools and a strategic focus on growth, the district aims to prepare globally-minded, resilient students for success in a connected world.
Bobcat Bank also aligns with broader efforts across Pennsylvania to strengthen attendance and student readiness. Recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education shows continued improvement in graduation rates and regular attendance statewide, even as national trends have declined. Investments in education through the state budget further support schools as they develop innovative programs that place students at the center of learning.
At its core, Bobcat Bank is about trust. It’s about trusting students to think deeply, to collaborate with purpose, and to rise to real challenges. On December 17, Burrowes ES demonstrated what is possible when students are empowered to lead.
Read more from the Pennsylvania Department of Education: here.
