Unistream’s EdVenture program for creative entrepreneurial leadership trains the next generation of young Israeli innovators from the country’s socioeconomic and geographic periphery, by providing them with a comprehensive body of knowledge and tools drawn from the world of entrepreneurship.
The three-year intensive program is intended for teens in grades 9 through 11, and over the course of the program they engage in immersive hands-on learning in the fundamentals of business, creative social and technological entrepreneurial approaches to societal challenges and opportunities, and proactive responses to a rapidly changing employment marketplace.
Throughout the program the participants have a unique opportunity to work together with experienced professional volunteer mentors to develop a social or technological startup venture, from conception to the creation of a prototype.
The program offers participants broad exposure to advanced cutting-edge technologies, business and work plan creation, communication and collaborative learning, and English proficiency. Additionally, participants work side-by-side with seasoned professionals, providing direct connections to Israel’s dynamic business and entrepreneurial ecosystems, as well as to an array of professional role models and networks.
Goals of the program:
- Providing teens from the socioeconomic and geographic periphery with the knowledge and tools required to integrate into the worlds of business and social and technological entrepreneurship
- Acquisition of the tools required to succeed in the rapidly-changing world of employment
- Self-empowerment and increased self-confidence
Program objectives:
1. Providing youth from Israel’s geographical and socioeconomic periphery with the tools and knowledge they need to enter the realms of business, social, and technological entrepreneurship
2. Providing essential skills for the modern workplace and tools for economic and professional independence
3. Empowering the youth participants and boosting their self-efficacy
Scope of the program:
each group participates in approximately 200 hours of activities per year
Target audience:
youth in grades nine through eleven
Structure of the program:
The program is divided into Junior, Senior, and Expert years and includes annual special events and weekly meetings – approximately 50 meetings over 10 months (depending on the academic calendar).
The program is part of the Social Engagement and Personal Development Program of the Ministry of Education.
Key program milestones:
- Introduction to entrepreneurship and business fundamentals
- Creative thinking
- Feasibility testing of venture ideas
- Spoken and professional English
- Product development
- Establishment of a company and division into departments and roles
- Building a business plan
- Attracting investors and raising capital
- Development of a venture prototype
- Giving back to the community
- Positioning oneself for optimal success in the adult world
- Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Competition
