Empowering Young Innovators: BINUS SCHOOL Students Join Harvard’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program
BINUS SCHOOL Serpong and Simprug students recently took part in an exciting four-day Youth Entrepreneurship Program in collaboration with the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) and Learn with Leaders. Designed to nurture young entrepreneurial minds, the program featured mentorship from Harvard experts, equipping students with essential skills such as leadership, innovation, business strategies, and effective presentations.
This exclusive program provided students the rare opportunity to work closely with Harvard mentors, who guided them through real-world applications of entrepreneurship. The sessions focused on developing critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to present ideas in a compelling manner. For four days, students immersed themselves in a dynamic environment that encouraged creativity and teamwork.
Learning from the Best Harvard Mentorship
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The primary goal of the programme was to equip students with key entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experience. The Harvard mentors played an integral role in this, providing direct guidance on business leadership and problem-solving. Each day, students attended interactive workshops focusing on innovation and crafting business strategies in competitive markets.
The mentorship team included Janna (Government & Middle Eastern Studies), Betul (Theological Studies), and Donia Elmansy (Government & Economics). They helped the students develop the tools and strategies needed to take a startup from concept to reality.
Novak Wisnuputra, a Year 9 student from BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, shared that learning from Harvard mentors provided him with valuable insights into their experiences at Harvard and essential skills in entrepreneurship, such as starting a business.
Similarly, Nabila Santoso, a Year 10 student from BINUS SCHOOL Serpong, mentioned that the programme helped her understand the key steps in launching a business, exploring different strategies, and utilising useful apps for pitching ideas, while also improving her presentation skills.
Pitching Innovative Ideas
Students were divided into small groups of four, each tasked with developing an innovative product idea. This allowed them to practice not only teamwork but also their newfound entrepreneurial skills. Over the course of the program, they refined their business concepts, strategised on execution, and prepared their pitches under the guidance of their mentors.
The pitch competition was among the highlights of the event, with each group presenting their product ideas to a panel of judges. This competition was more than just an assessment; it was an opportunity for students to take their first step into the entrepreneurial world, receiving feedback from seasoned professionals. The environment was competitive, but also collaborative, with each group supporting one another as they took on the challenge.
In the end, EduQuest Group 2, consisting of students Chloe, Yenjun, Vanya, and Andrea, stood out for their exceptional product idea. Their efforts were recognised with a top prize of 20 million Rupiah, providing them with the resources to bring their innovative concept to life.
Skills Beyond the Classroom
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By participating in this program, students from BINUS SCHOOL Simprug and Serpong gained much more than just knowledge. They experienced the challenge of working in teams, communicating their ideas effectively, and developing practical solutions to real-world problems. These are skills that will be essential as they navigate their future studies and careers.
The mentorship from Harvard professionals added an additional layer of insight, as students learned not only theoretical concepts but also practical strategies directly from leaders in the field. The combination of learning and mentorship allowed them to grow both academically and personally, setting a strong foundation for future success.
Patrick Laughlin, MS-HS Journeys Coordinator at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, noted that over the course of four days, in collaboration with the Harvard Project for Asian International Relations and hosted through Learn with Leaders, students had the unique opportunity to engage with and understand business strategies and skills. He expressed excitement for future events at Harvard, adding, “We cannot wait to welcome the kids in Harvard at our next round of events coming soon.”
A Continuing Commitment to Excellence
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program by HPAIR and Learn with Leaders is an extension of BINUS SCHOOL’s ongoing efforts to provide students with opportunities to excel beyond traditional academics. The initiative aligns with the school’s vision of fostering leadership, creativity, and critical thinking, ensuring that students are prepared for the challenges of the modern business world.
