Social Entrepreneurship in Schools
Description
Cantilever Partnership, a social enterprise from Community Action Network, wants to encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs by equipping schools with the skills to embed enterprise into the curriculum.
Working with schools in the North East, Cantilever has produced a series of learning resources - a blueprint for helping pupils to run social enterprises such as school tuck shops, cinema clubs or even a hair salon.
Why we funded
In communities where unemployment has become a way of life, there is little motivation to learn. To break the cycle of underachievement and poverty, it's essential to raise aspirations.
With NESTA'S support, Cantilever has pioneered a programme to kick-start social enterprise, which is recognised as an essential catalyst for sustainable community regeneration.
Offering practical steps to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit among the next generation, its reach goes beyond deprived areas to equip young people in Britain with the skills and creative minds necessary to compete effectively in the global economy.
Impact/benefit
Running their own farm, market garden and tuck shop has inspired a new self worth in pupils at Newcastle's Oakfield College.
Catering for boys with emotional and behavioural difficulties, the school has seen attendance increase from less than 20 percent to over 70 percent since introducing enterprise education. Deputy headteacher Linda Ellison says: "Every day I see something new in it that is worthwhile, that is supporting the boys in their everyday lives."
Their story is one of the successes told in an inspiring video showcase designed to promote a culture of creative and entrepreneurial thinking within other schools and their wider communities.
Written: November 2006
Company:
Cantilever Partnership
Programme:
Future Innovators
Discipline:
Enterprise Education
Location:
North East (UK-reach)
Funding:
£178,000
Year funded:
2005
Website:
www.seas-online.org.uk