This two-year initiative supports public secondary school teams to accelerate existing strategic priorities around student agency and contemporary learning models. An "entrepreneurial school" is not one where every child becomes an entrepreneur; it is a school where every student develops the confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills to shape their own future and contribute meaningfully to their community. Schools benefit through practical implementation support, including principal coaching, educator professional development, Youth Council establishment and onboarding, and connection to community and industry partners for authentic learning experiences.

Entrepreneurial learning is a pedagogical approach that empowers young people to identify opportunities, solve real-world problems, and create value for others. It integrates critical and creative thinking, innovation, collaboration, and agency, equipping students with the mindset, skillset, and toolset to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Schools commit to principal leadership, a named school liaison (Deputy or senior teacher), and establishment of a Youth Council (6+ students). Participation includes:

• one two-day in-school visit

• educator professional development - (60-minute online session monthly plus self-paced modules ranging from 3 to 10 hours, depending on chosen programs)

• termly impact measurement via the Young Change Agents Impact Framework, including the Global Credential of Entrepreneurial Education validated by the University of Melbourne, and the contribution of case study materials

• schools participate in two national E3 Unconferences (Sydney 2026, Melbourne 2027) (3 ticket allocation per school).

• estimated time commitment is approximately 4-6 hours per term for coordination, plus professional development hours.

• costs for travel to the Unconference PL events and CRT are borne by the school
  

Participating schools will have the unique opportunity to join a national professional learning network, connecting with leading educators across Australia to share practice, collaborate, and grow collective expertise. As part of this initiative, schools will also be invited to learn from and contribute to the E3 National Entrepreneurial Educators Unconference in 2026 and 2027, showcasing their innovations, strengthening national connections, and shaping the future of education together.

Each school receives principal coaching with Tom Griffith (Adviser and Education Leader-in-Residence), quarterly leadership forums through ASPA, practical professional development for educators, a two-year licence to the Entrepreneurial Learning Hub (valued at $10,000 per school annually), which includes all facilitation guides, toolkits and an online platform for students to learn and earn digital badges, Youth Council onboarding and virtual meetups, access to the Young Change Agent’s Impact Measurement Framework, including the Global Credential of Entrepreneurial Education validated by the University of Melbourne, and participation in national convenings.

Tom Griffith

Education Leader-in-Residence

Young Change Agents

Dr Renae Jones

Project Director & National Educator in Residence

Young Change Agents

Schools use the Young Change Agents Impact Framework, an evidence-based tool measuring thirteen capabilities across domains of: agency, effective learner, entrepreneurial capability, and real-world relevance. Schools receive access to the Global Credential of Entrepreneurial Education, validated by the University of Melbourne, plus teacher observations, and optional partner feedback. Schools receive regular dashboards showing progress across domains and cohorts, enabling data-informed adjustments to implementation.

This initiative is specifically designed for secondary schools that already have student agency, effective learning, student voice or learner dispositions articulated in their strategic improvement plans. Schools must be ready to commit principal leadership, establish or strengthen a Youth Council, and engage at least one community or industry partner in authentic learning projects. The programme accelerates existing priorities rather than adding new initiatives.

Twenty schools will be selected nationally based on clear aspirational or strategic plan alignment with student agency and contemporary learning approaches, principal sign-off and named school liaison, and commitment to inclusive participation across student cohorts. Willingness to share learnings as a flagship school, and participate in research to inform education policy. Geographic spread is prioritised, with ≥40% of places reserved for regional and rural schools.