YOUNG BUSINESS EXPLORERS: FOSTERING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE AT DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL STAGES

We describe an experience of cooperation between an educational research group (EDUFIN) from the Universitat Jaume I and a specialist entrepreneurial training consultancy (Dideas). An intensive learning experience was carried out with pre-university students based on a proposal for a competition among secondary schools. The goals, actions and development of the programme were designed following similar patterns previously tested at undergraduate level. The overall objective of the programme was to bring students closer to the real environment, and it aimed to foster an entrepreneurial culture at different educational levels. Following a competitive selection process, the successful students were invited to take part in an intensive journey that included training and active participation (event: Ist Young Business Explorers Workshop). This activity highlights the importance of promoting an entrepreneurial culture from an integral perspective and at different educational stages. This study considers the introduction of the Business Model Canvas methodology with pre-university students as a valid resource to develop their entrepreneurship and other skills. It also includes an assessment from the participating mentors’ perspective as well as a reflection on the importance of introducing innovative educational resources with highly motivating components and that favour integral development within the lifelong learning approach. The study concludes with references to future challenges and other cooperation initiatives that provide meaningful learning experiences, emphasising their importance and significant impact on the overall learning experience.