Johnson City, Tennessee (WJHL) – A student-run Mercantile store offers Science Hill High School (SHHS) students the opportunity to gain real-world experience.

The school recently received a $45,000 grant from Perkins Reserve Grants (PRG). In a release, the Tennessee Department of Education said the PRG grant opportunities are aimed at increasing career and technical education (CTE) opportunities in schools.

The commercial store is located next to the Hilltopper Café (an entirely student-run coffee shop) on SHHS’ main campus. The store is run by students in the school’s special education program and funds multiple school clubs that offer the store’s merchandise.

Additionally, 10% of each month’s sales at the store goes back to special education programs.

“What they’re doing is using the cash register, counting, taking money, checking inventory,” said Dr. Julia Decker, Dr. Johnson. At City Schools she is the supervisor of CTE Opportunites. “So what we’re doing is teaching skills that give them the opportunity to get a full-time job after school.”

School district leaders want the store to open after fall break.