As schools across the U.S. plan their reopenings, NYC announced their solution for coronavirus concerns. We've put together a list of 5 ways you can profit from this new market (see below).
If there is one coronavirus topic that has sparked more debate and confusion across the nation than any other, school reopenings might just be up there. There are more opinions and strategies out there than there are states in the union.
“The single most important thing is that there is no national reopening strategy,” said Eliza Shapiro, the NYC Education correspondent for the New York Times. “We have an incredibly regional, fractured, scattershot approach to reopening that has no cohesion. Places like Florida and New York are different countries right now, in terms of the virus.”
If you ask us for our take on the debate, though, it’s quite simple: No matter where you are, there’s profit to be made—lots of it. There’s so much opportunity out there, in fact, that we put together a full Back to School Buyer’s Guide to help you navigate the field.
This was all before NYC announced their Outdoor Learning program, though. Now, there are even more options for profit.
So, what is this program?
On August 25, Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carranza unveiled the “Outdoor Learning” initiative, a program that allows schools to hold classes outdoors, not only in schoolyards, but even in adjacent streets and nearby park spaces.
“We are doing everything in our power to bring our kids back to school safely,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Outdoor Learning will give all of our children the quality education they deserve in a safe and socially distanced environment.”
Beginning today, schools can submit requests for outdoor learning spaces in school adjacent streets and nearby parks. Schools have until Friday, August 28 to submit their requests, and they will receive responses by September 4.
Submissions will be reviewed by an interagency group, and the Department of Education will do their best to accommodate schools’ requests.
Schools must provide their own barriers and staffing to close streets.
What’s in it for you?
Aside from the other signage supplies schools will need for the upcoming academic year, outdoor learning will drive up demand for outdoor-specific accessories as well. Read on to find out what will be in demand
Here are 5 ways you can profit from outdoor learning:
-
- Aluminum signage
Schools are required to provide their own barriers and staffing for closing streets. Whether or not the city will provide signage for street closures, schools will still need aluminum signs for directional signage and other applications. - A-Frames
With similar applications to aluminum signs, A-Frames are a more portable and customizable solution, making them well-suited for the variable nature of outdoor learning.
- Barriers
As noted above, schools must provide their own barriers for street closures. While they're at it, why not make them sturdy and attractive with metal-framed Sunbrella or Exotic fabrics ?
The best part is that these barriers can then be decorated with school designs, such as their name and logo. Barriers can also be made out of materials such as PVC, which can be printed or decorated with cut vinyl or digital media.
- Banners
There are endless applications for banners in outdoor learning. Think decorating parks, or street areas. - Retractable Awnings
A great option to provide cover for outdoor activities, especially lunches.
- Aluminum signage
Outdoor Learning is a comprehensive program, open to all public, charter, and private schools, as well as Learning Bridges. What this means is that you should feel free to contact any school, no matter the type, and offer them your services to enhance their outdoor learning experience.
For info on our offerings, for school needs, or anything else, please feel free to contact your sales rep, we'll be glad to help you!
Need more ideas? Check out our Back to School Buyer’s Guide.
At S&F News, our mission is to keep you informed on the latest industry trends. Check back often to see what’s new.