Developing ideas, finding solutions to problems, working in a team and defending your proposal in front of others. Pupils from three primary schools in the Ústí nad Labem Region were able to experience all of this firsthand thanks to an innovative educational program. Academy of Ideaswhich was prepared by Innovation Center of the Ústí Region (ICUK)This practical format aims to develop entrepreneurship, creativity and communication skills in second-grade students.
💯 Academy as a gateway to entrepreneurship
The Ideas Academy is not a competition or a regular class. It is experiential educational format, which connects the world of schoolchildren with practical life. ICUK combines project management methodology, teamwork and presentation with the motivating approach of mentors from practice. Students They don't learn from textbooks, but from their own experience..
"We see that when we create space for children and give them confidence, they can come up with really interesting and useful ideas. The Academy is an ideal environment where they can try out everything they can. The program developed skills in them that are essential not only for their future careers, but also for their personal growth - the ability to create, collaborate, organize their work and step out of their comfort zone," says Karolina Macková, the coordinator of educational activities from ICUK, who created the program.
The Academy of Ideas program benefits from excellent cooperation with school management and teachers, which significantly increases its success. Voluntary involvement of students leads to higher motivation, creativity and high-quality projects with a real impact. Appropriate facilities also play an important role - classrooms dedicated to project work support concentration and effective teamwork.
Experience shows that the success of the Academy also depends on motivation of the students themselvesWhere they participated voluntarily, they were more eager to create and try new things. On the contrary, where participation was mandatory, a strong accompanying program and intensive support from lecturers helped. "The children, who were initially the most reluctant, ended up pleasantly surprising us. Their ideas were on point, and they ended up being very actively involved," adds Karolina.
🎓 Academy in practice – 3 different schools, 3 different approaches
From January to May 2025, three academies were held in succession: on Elementary school in Štětí, Elementary school in Ústí nad Labem and Elementary school in LibouchecEach of them offered the students the same program, in which they learned how to transform an idea into a real design, how to divide the work in a team, how to manage time stress, and also how to defend their project in front of others. The output was specific proposals – from improving the school environment to community-based projects to peer-focused services.
However, each school approached the implementation differently. Štětí Primary School chose the option with a select group of volunteers who worked with great enthusiasm. In Libouchec, the Academy was held with the entire class and it turned out that even students with less enthusiasm can immerse themselves in the project. In Ústí nad Labem, 12 volunteers participated in the project outside of regular classes - here too it was confirmed that the combination of motivation and support from mentors works great.
🎤 What do teachers think about the Academy of Ideas?
How do you rate the Academy of Ideas as a whole?
"From my perspective, the program served its purpose – the students had to work in a team, communicate, plan. It was challenging for some, but that's exactly what made them develop. They learned to resolve conflicts and think in context."
What surprised you the most?
"I was surprised that even the less active ones eventually got involved and brought interesting ideas to the team. Everyone learned to cooperate, organize their work better, and also present their ideas. I think that for many it was the first experience where they had to work independently, but at the same time in a team. Some children tried out the role of leader for the very first time - and they handled it brilliantly."
Would you recommend the program to other schools?
"Definitely yes. It makes sense to show students that learning doesn't have to be just about theory. The Ideas Academy is a great way to develop entrepreneurial thinking in practice."
➡️ What's next?
ICUK plans the Academy of Ideas further expand, both methodologically and geographically. It will focus on several areas that can increase the quality and impact of the program. Better preparation of students before the start will be key - for example, in the form of an "idea box" where they can put their observations and suggestions in advance. At the same time, ICUK plans to expand methodological support for teachers and students - to offer a clear plan of activities, worksheets, sample ideas and questions that will help with orientation during the program. With regard to the age-appropriateness of the tasks, it will further support motivation even in classes that are compulsorily involved.
The ICUK team, which is dedicated to education and leads the Academy of Ideas program, plans to offer the program to more schools in the region, with free methodological access to schools, and professional management of the program.
The Academy of Ideas is one of the pillars of the systematic support of entrepreneurship, which ICUK develops in cooperation with schools, teachers and other partners. Thanks to this program, students have the chance to experience a sense of success, learn to cooperate and find the courage to try new things. And that is what entrepreneurship is all about – not waiting, but creating.
