Having a preschool lab that students run is a great way to bring in some money. Usually schools will charge a lower fee than a normal preschool because it runs for a shorter amount of time and is not accredited.…
Arts Magazine
One school I know makes their own magazine with student projects in it such as their sewing projects, art projects, etc. The graphic arts classes actually take the pictures of the student’s projects and make it into a beautiful looking magazine to sell.
Prom Fashion Show
One of the highlights of fashion design or sewing class can be a fashion show. Fashion design students put on an annual show calling formal wear companies to borrow dresses and tuxes, as well as local hair and makeup salons for their services. Other groups like culinary or hospitality can get involved by selling food. Teachers can even be invited to wear their old prom dresses!
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
Another great way to teach students how to bake in mass quantity, maintain quality control, and market food attractively is to sell boxes of several kinds of Christmas cookies. My students made boxes of 3 dozen Christmas cookies including peanut butter kisses, chocolate crinkle, Russian Tea Cakes, gingerbread, sugar, raspberry thumb prints and coconut macaroons. The community generously supports the fundraiser often profusely thanking me for making their holidays easier.
Concessions
A great way to raise money for a big trip is to sell food during sporting events or other after school events. Culinary students can actually make the food and decide on a menu and pricing. This allows students to taken ownership for trips that they go on and learn business skills. It is best especially for high school students to show them how to price things and allow them to come up with ideas to market their products. I view it as first a learning experience and secondly an income generator.
Catering
Hospitality students cater district wide events and charge a fee to purchase food and supplies. This helps the district because they are paying a fraction of the price compared to local food services and students are learning from the process.