Over 750 children and young people enrol in Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

Over 750 Azorean children and young people have enrolled in the 2025/2026 edition of the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders, announced the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, on Tuesday at the Graciosa Island Cultural Centre in Santa Cruz.

This non-formal education programme aims to promote entrepreneurship among school-age children and young people, an initiative organised by the Regional Directorate for Youth. At the opening of the 5th edition, the government official confirmed that those enrolled include students from all levels of education, including vocational education, from more than 40 institutions, such as schools, private social solidarity institutions and the Ponta Delgada Correctional Facility.

The number of participants may further increase, due to the launch of the university edition of this programme and its extension to young inmates at Angra do Heroísmo Correctional Facility, whose implementation protocol is expected to be signed shortly, she added.

"The Entrepreneurial Academy is a programme focused on the belief that new generations will be able to make things happen, rather than waiting for things to happen," stated Maria João Carreiro. She pointed out that "the personal and social circumstances of each young person are not and cannot be an inevitability, but rather an opportunity for transformation, growth and integration," she defended.

During the school year, participants in the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders develop a skills training programme for entrepreneurship tailored to their level of education and aligned with the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. 

The activities developed include initiatives such as "Entrepreneur for a Day," "Christmas Markets," and the "Local Ideas Competition"; the latter awards the winning teams a place at I9.Açores – Young Academy of Innovative Ideas.

“The journey of this Academy shows us that each participant carries an idea, a dream and a desire to do something new. This is what entrepreneurship seeks to awaken: the confidence that it is possible to create your own path, even in the face of uncertainty,” she praised.

In this regard, Maria João Carreiro voiced her confidence in "another successful edition that will inspire, challenge and instil confidence in participants." She pointed out that this programme was created to encourage children and young people to take the lead, provide practical tools and develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, project management and innovation.

"Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business: it is about having the attitude, creativity and courage to do things differently, make an impact and contribute to a better society," she stressed.

The opening session of the 2025/2026 edition of the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders was attended by António Reis, Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Adolfo Vasconcelos, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, and Eládio Braga, Regional Director for Youth (DRJ).

The session, which began with two musical performances by Afonso Albuquerque and Íris Olaio, Artistic Education students at Graciosa Secondary School, also featured a talk, moderated by DRJ, with former participants of the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders, Rita Gil, Íris Olaio and Luana Veiga.

The Entrepreneurial Academy programme, which involves an annual investment of about €150,000 by the Region, includes two sub-programmes.

The Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders covers all levels of education, from elementary to secondary school, including vocational education, IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions) and higher education, with a university edition. The programme is tailored to each level of education and aligned with the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

The Entrepreneurial Academy – Boost Your Potential is aimed at young inmates at the Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo Correctional Facilities.