Schools to nurture Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Queensland students will learn how to turn coding and robotics know-how into business smarts through the new Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow program.

Education Minister Kate Jones launched the $1.7 million grant program in state parliament today.

Ms Jones said the program was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to prepare young Queenslanders for the jobs of tomorrow.

“We want every student to have the digital skills they need to be competitive for future jobs,” Ms Jones said.

“One hundred schools will each receive $16,600 to create a range of innovative entrepreneurial programs with a focus on the creation of digital solutions that include coding and robotics.

“It will help students develop the entrepreneurial skills essential to drive innovation, productivity and global awareness.”

Ms Jones said Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow was an initiative of the Advancing Education action plan.

“Thousands of students will have the opportunity to connect with a range of experts including programmers, entrepreneurs, robotics experts and innovators to encourage them to bring their ideas for the future to life,” she said.

“It will provide students with real-world experiences that will generate pathways into the world of work and further study by inspiring them to be the creators of Queensland’s future.”

All Queensland state schools, including special schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and schools of distance education, are eligible to apply for Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow funding.

Applications close on 13 May and the 100 successful schools will be announced before the end of Term 2.

For more information visit www.education.qld.gov.au/stem/

Media: Matt Jutsum 0408 998 940