It began with a lemonade stand. Students in Bob Akin’s sales management class divided into teams and sold lemonade around campus in a competition to raise money for KinderFrogs, an early childhood education program for young children with disabilities at TCU.

 

“I’m not a big believer in tests or lectures,” Akin said. “Students need real-life experience. They need to learn how to sell.”

 

Akin began this project about five years ago as a way to give juniors and seniors hands-on sales experience. Each year, the class of about 45 divides into teams and competes to raise money for a local charity, non-profit or cause.

 

In fall 2011, the class chose KinderFrogs. Borrowing the idea of lemonade stands from Donald Trump’s Apprentice, Akin instructs the students to organize, run and market their stands. Sales of lemonade brought in about $3,000.

 

When students delivered the check to Marilyn Tolbert, director and Jean W. Roach chair of laboratory schools, they were touched by the school’s mission. KinderFrogs serves as a training site for TCU students who are interested in working with children with development delays and disabilities. The school has about 30 students and a wait list with 30 to 40 students.

 

Next, Akin’s students sold T-shirts, koozies, wrist bands and even hosted benefit dinners. In total, they raised about $11,000 for KinderFrogs.

 

“It is amazing what some very dedicated university students can accomplish,” Tolbert said. “We were so grateful for their hard work.”

 

KinderFrogs plans to use the money to purchase additional iPads or two new pieces of playground equipment, Tolbert said.

 

Akin said the project teaches his students a great deal about sales, but also the importance of philanthropy.

 

“This is 100-percent student driven,” Akin said. “When my students have a heart for what we are raising money for, they go above and beyond.”