How many times have you wanted to take a class, but you couldn't afford it? Trade School based in NYC has found a solution and wants to continue doing so, with your help.

At Trade School, students actually barter for their classes while specialists teach for basic items.  Some classes were taught for pairs of shoes, food, mixed CDs, etc.  Classes taught ranged from scrabble strategy to grant writing.  Apparently there was even a ghost hunting class!

The first run of Trade School saw over 800 participants and 76 classes.  The response was so outstanding that, naturally, they want to do it again.  Lucky for me since I missed it the first time!

There's only one little problem, not everything can be taken care of with barter.  They need some non salvageable materials and want to be able to pay someone to coordinate the classes, schedule and maintenance of the space. 

Their goal? $9,000 by June 27.  Pledge $15 and get a credit in the "Funders" section of their website with a personal link.  $100 or more and get a unique recipe from chef and trade school teacher Athena Kokoronis.  $5,000 and you get a dinner party with the same chef. And of course the doozie.  $10,000 and they'll be your personal creative consultants for 3 years.  (There's loads of other pledge options too. As low as $1, so head on over!)

Honestly, I don't think I should have to say very much about this. The idea of trading knowledge for goods is a brilliant one.  I, and so many people I know, simply can't afford to take classes (and I've been desperate for a photography lighting class by the way) and Trade School makes it possible for us to get our learn on.