In Two Hours, over 100 Students Became Entrepreneurs—Here’s What Education Must Learn From It

This week, the Academy of Entrepreneurs officially launched Boss Your Future: How to Turn Any Idea Into a Business at one of the Philippines’ leading schools. What unfolded over just two hours was not simply a workshop or a classroom session—it was a transformation.

More than one hundred boys walked into the room curious, hesitant, and quietly asking themselves a familiar question: Is business or entrepreneurship really for me? They took their seats unsure of what to expect, uncertain whether this would feel relevant, and doubtful about their own abilities. Two hours later, every single one of them had identified a real local problem in the Philippines; turned that problem into a business opportunity; designed a clear, practical solution; and delivered a confident 30-second investment pitch—on stage. And this was only their first session. They still have nine weeks to go.

The Moment Everything Changed: “I Can Do This”

The most powerful moment came when the students began stepping onto the stage, one by one, to pitch their ideas. What stood out was not just the creativity or diversity of the ideas themselves. It was the visible shift in identity. You could see it in their posture as they stood taller. You could hear it in their voices as uncertainty gave way to clarity. You could feel it in the room as confidence replaced hesitation.

Many of these students had never spoken on stage before. Yet there they were, owning their ideas, articulating problems, and proposing solutions with conviction. They were genuinely surprised by themselves—by how quickly they could think critically, create something meaningful, and communicate with confidence. This confidence was not handed to them. It was earned. And that distinction matters. Real education does not just transfer knowledge; it builds belief.

This matters now more than ever

We are living through one of the most disruptive periods education has ever faced. Artificial intelligence is automating roles at unprecedented speed. Traditional jobs are disappearing. Career paths that once felt linear and predictable are anything but. In this environment, preparing students for “jobs that exist today” is no longer enough.

Entrepreneurship is not simply about starting businesses. It is a survival skill. It is the way forward. At its core, entrepreneurship teaches students how to identify problems worth solving, create and test solutions, quickly adapt when things do not work, and communicate value with confidence. These are deeply human skills. They cannot be automated away. Whether or not these students ever start companies, they will carry this mindset into every career and leadership role they pursue.

Education can—and should—be fun, engaging, and experiential

What happened in those two hours sends a powerful message to principals, educators, and school leaders. Education does not need to be passive. It does not need to be boring. And it does not need to be disconnected from the real world. When learning is practical, fast-paced, confidence-building, and directly linked to industry and real investors, students do not just learn—they transform. They stop asking, “Why do I need to know this?” and start asking, “What can I build next?”

What’s Next for These Students

This session was only the beginning. Over the next ten weeks, these students will develop their ideas into stronger business concepts, learn how real businesses are built step by step, and refine their pitches with guidance from industry mentors. At the end of the program, they will pitch to real investors. Just two weeks later, they will compete against other schools across the same network, taking their ideas, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset onto a much bigger stage. This is how capability compounds.

Why the Academy of Entrepreneurs Is Different

At the Academy of Entrepreneurs, we do not believe in waiting until students are “ready one day.” We believe students are capable now. We believe confidence is built through doing, not sitting and listening in a classroom. And we believe entrepreneurship belongs in schools—not as theory, but as lived experience. If this level of transformation can happen in two hours, imagine what ten weeks can do. Imagine what happens when students grow up seeing themselves not just as job-seekers, but as problem-solvers and value creators.

Lessons for Education Leaders

For education leaders, the lessons are clear. Start earlier than you think. Teach skills that matter in the real world. Let students practice before they are perfect. Measure success not only by grades, but by confidence and clarity. When students believe in their ability to create value, everything changes.

If you are a principal, educator, or school leader who believes education must evolve to prepare students for an AI-driven world, we would love to work with you. Entrepreneurship is no longer optional. It is a core life skill. And as this week proved, students are more than ready for it. Let’s build confident, capable, and future-ready students—together.

Ready to transform your school? Launch the Boss Your Future program by emailing info@aestudy.com