Junior Entrepreneurs are Truly Remarkable
Over 300 pupils and their teachers were in attendance at the first ever Junior Entrepreneur Program (JEP) County Showcase Day in The Knightsbrook Hotel in Co. Meath on April 16th, 2015. Magnificent examples of entrepreneurship were showcased, giving participating pupils and teachers the opportunity to see the classroom businesses that emerged since the 2015 program started in January.
Throughout the 10-week JEP program, pupils learn about entrepreneurship, brainstorm ideas, decide on an idea and work in teams to turn the idea into a reality. With the guidance and support of their teacher, classmates, principal and local community, the participating classes create something truly remarkable.
Projects showcased on the day ranged from colorful key rings and handy cookbooks to instant baking jars along and an ‘Agrisafe Gate Clip’. The atmosphere was electric as the Junior Entrepreneurs visited the other exhibitors and learned about their projects.
John Purdy, county sponsor for JEP in Meath, CEO of leading IT services company Ergo and finalist for this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program, is delighted to be involved; “The presentation’s here today were inspirational, I was overwhelmed by the creativity and positivity shown. The students who participate in this 10 week program get the opportunity to develop a range of skills from problem solving, to creative thinking and consumer awareness. Through this great program, I have seen first-hand how bringing out the entrepreneurial skills of young people can ignite their imaginations.”
The JEP program has been running for five years and has now been rolled out nationally as well as being piloted in the UK, with 10,500 children over 431 schools participating in the program since January 2015. As the Junior Entrepreneur Program grows, so does the exceptional caliber of these Junior Entrepreneurs.
The program is primarily aimed at 5th and 6th class students and runs over a 10-12 week period. JEP provides everything that is required to run the program including a step-by-step teacher’s guide.
Schools interested in participating in JEP 2015/16 are encouraged to register by contacting Ergo on 8843200 or email tatiana.skapcova.ergogroup.ie
Further information is also available on the program website www.juniorentrepreneur.ie
Further Information:
What
JEP was founded in County Kerry in 2010 by Jerry Kennelly of Tweak.com, The Institute of Technology, Tralee, Mary Immaculate Limerick and Shannon Development , with the aim of fostering and nurturing an entrepreneurial culture , at an appropriate level among primary school children. The program has been running in Kerry & Limerick since 2011 and due to it’s incredible success is now a Nationwide program.
Where
The year the program is running in 21 counties around the country where successful entrepreneurs are championing the program in their area, making it possible for thousands of primary school pupils to take part in this unique initiative. It is this partnership between JEP and the county partner that allows the program to be delivered without any cost to the parents or the schools.
When
The Junior Entrepreneur Program (JEP) is a 10 week entrepreneurial education program for primary school pupils. The not- for- profit program is led by Jerry Kennelly (Founder & CEO of Tweak.com) in association with academic partner, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick . Developed in Ireland, the principles of the Primary School Curriculum are embedded in the program and utilizes and integrated teaching and project- based approach to teach many strands of the curriculum, fostering self – directed learning, investigation and innovation amongst the pupils involved.
Why
The innovative program opens the minds of primary school opens the minds of primary school pupils to the joy of entrepreneurship at a time in their lives when they are full of imagination and open to new possibilities . The program supports participating pupils to develop key skills including: literacy, writing, presentation, drawing , technology, research skills, numeracy, financial , consumer awareness, storytelling, listening skills, creative thinking, problem solving, team building and collaboration skills.
The program supports personal development of participating pupils, building confidence, self awareness, self esteem, critical thinking, investigation & research, and an appreciation of individual skills and talents.
