An argument goes that if we are to build a strong, sustainable innovation ecosystem here in WA, we probably need to start with school students. Students need to believe they can innovate from here, and see others doing so, if they are to go down this path.
It is therefore interesting that a new collaboration, funded by the Lotterywest-supported Innovative Society Initiative, has been formed between the Fogarty Foundation and Elizabeth Knight’s Purposeful.
The ‘WA Student Entrepreneurship’ aims to shed light on high school students’ exposure to, interest in, and awareness of entrepreneurial and innovative career pathways across Western Australia.
As the demand for entrepreneurship and innovation skills continues to rise, it has become clear to the collaborators behind this initiative that a significant knowledge gap exists regarding students’ existing interest and engagement with entrepreneurship and innovation.
The impact and influence of entrepreneurial activities currently delivered in schools has also remain largely unexplored.
With a mission to address these gaps in understanding, the project includes a comprehensive survey targeting Year 9 to 11 students, a focus group for educators, and an entrepreneurship activation event in one regional WA high school.
Data collected from this will be shared in a published report, with the aim for findings to further progress WA’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The project strongly encourages participation from students and educators across all regions of WA, with the aim of having diverse representation of schools and students in both the Student Survey and Educator Focus Group.
“Perth has seen increased activity in the entrepreneurship education space over the last few years, led by both schools, startups and the tertiary sector, which is fantastic”, says Elizabeth Knight, Director of Purposeful.
However, we don’t really have much data on the impact that these activities have had on the next generation. I hope that the insights gained from this project will lead to the development of more targeted solutions that will encourage students to consider these pathways, because it will have a significant impact on our entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in coming years.
Elizabeth Knight
To support the project, visit www.purposeful.org.au/wa-student-entrepreneurship-project, where you can:
- complete the student survey by June 16th (open to all WA high school students currently in Years 9-11).
- join the Educator Focus Group on June 7th (open to any WA high school educators to understand their experiences and challenges in delivering entrepreneurship education, and supporting their students to explore entrepreneurial and innovative career pathways.)
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