High School Student Entrepreneurship Development Program through the Edupreneur Program

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of the Empowered through Edupreneur program at SMA Negeri 3 Sidoarjo, designed to address entrepreneurial development challenges among high school students in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. The research identified key barriers, including untapped entrepreneurial potential, underdeveloped student ventures, the lack of school-facilitated entrepreneurship programs, and the absence of designated entrepreneurship areas. Through a systematic approach involving entrepreneurship socialization, personal mentoring, community formation, and venue provision, the program was implemented in two phases: a Community Service Workshop with 100 twelfth-grade students and a Business Activity Monitoring program with 15 student business groups. The methodology employed observations, interviews, hands-on workshops, and continuous mentoring to foster entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Results demonstrated significant success with the formation of 10 initial student business groups, which expanded to 15 active ventures across various sectors including snacks, handicrafts, and digital services. Students showed improved understanding of basic business concepts, cash flow management, and profit–loss calculations. The word cloud analysis of students’ perceptions regarding entrepreneurship needs and challenges shows that they have adequate knowledge of the field. However, challenges remain in digital promotion capabilities, time management, and product innovation. The program’s effectiveness was evidenced by increased entrepreneurial enthusiasm, the development of locally inspired business ideas, and enhanced student confidence in business planning. The study concludes that targeted entrepreneurship education, combined with continuous mentoring and institutional support, can effectively nurture young entrepreneurs. It recommends sustained collaboration between educational institutions, universities, and local businesses to transform student initiatives into sustainable enterprises that contribute to regional economic development.