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34 schools recognized for their outstanding implementation of entrepreneurship education programmes

34 outstanding European primary and secondary schools championing entrepreneurship education received The Entrepreneurial School awards on 16 October in Helsinki (Finland).

The Entrepreneurial School awards is an annual recognition led by JA Europe, which aims to provide a supportive and motivational framework to guide schools, headmasters and teachers from across Europe in their entrepreneurial learning initiatives.

On 16 October, The Entrepreneurial Schools awards took place in Helsinki as part of the European Vocational Skills Week. For the fifth edition of the Entrepreneurial School awards, 34 innovative (academic and vocational) schools from 22 European countries have been selected at national level for their cutting-edge vision and outstanding implementation of entrepreneurship education programmes. 62 headmasters and teachers gathered in Helsinki on 16 October to receive their school’s award.

“The expansion of entrepreneurship education across Europe is largely due to the initiative of headmasters and teachers who seize every opportunity to help prepare their students for the future of work. Students who participate in such education programmes develop their creativity, improve their self-confidence and grow their resourcefulness. Their performance and grades in other subjects improve. There are also benefits for participating schools: studies show teacher retention in those schools is high, at 90%! By organising this annual celebration, we want to recognise their outstanding work and to thank them for their vision and dedication. Schools of the future will definitely look like the Entrepreneurial School awardees,” said Caroline Jenner, CEO, JA Europe.

The schools have been assessed at national level by special committees composed of JA national offices and their national education authorities. They scored the highest in their countries against key indicators promoting the sustainability of entrepreneurship education: the quality of the school’s strategy, the allocation of appropriate resource, the existence of relevant teacher training, the engagement of local and business communities, and the extent of the school’s best practice network.

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About JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest non-profit in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. JA Europe is a member of JA Worldwide which for 100 years has delivered hands on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. JA creates pathways for employability, job creation and financial success.
Last school year, the JA network in Europe reached more than 4.2 million young people across 40 countries with the support of 139,000 business volunteers and 143,000 teachers/educators.
jaeurope.org

About the European Vocational Skills Week
European Vocational Skills Week is an initiative from the European Commission to raise awareness about vocational education and training (VET) and increase its attractiveness. The Week aims to make VET more of an appealing proposition, and help young people and adults reach their full potential. Events taking place all over Europe – locally, regionally and nationally –showcase the immense opportunities offered by VET for young people, adults and companies. The motto of the initiative is ‘Discover your talent!’ It seeks to show that every single person is talented and that VET can provide people with the necessary practical skills, knowledge and competences to succeed in the labour market and in society at large. This year’s theme is ‘VET for ALL – Skills for Life’ and the Week will be focusing on the inclusive and lifelong aspects of VET.
ec.europa.eu/social/vocational-skills-week