IVY Young Entrepreneur

Academics Group and IvyPlus Network launch IVY Young Entrepreneur” and “IVY Girls Lead” Sri Lanka Edition for ambitious students

Academics Group, Sri Lanka’s first cross-sector education think tank, has collaborated with IvyPlus Network – a professional network of alumni from Ivy League and other leading universities worldwide – to launch IVY Young Entrepreneur (IYE) and IVY Girls Lead (IGL) in Sri Lanka. These programmes are designed for those aged 15 to 19.

IVY Young Entrepreneur (IYE) Sri Lanka Edition is a 2-week online programme designed to tap into teens’ natural potential and craft it for greater applications and success, like the process of launching a start-up.

The programme will run from November 16th to 27th 2020. Students will be guided by industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and work with peers to solve business challenges. The programme will help them learn how to innovate, conduct market research, develop prototypes, craft user testing, develop a clientele and run a successful venture. There are 20 hours of live workshop over 2 weeks for the participants. ​ https://www.ivyplusnetwork.com/youngentrepreneur 

IVY Girls Lead (IGL) Sri Lanka Edition is a 10-day online leadership programme designed to inspire young girls to become leaders of positive impact. The programme runs from 30th November to 11th December 2020. IGL gives young leaders insight into themselves, their interpersonal relationships and their skill dynamics so they can become accomplished in any field they choose. This researched-based programme is optimized to create a safe space that trains participants in critical thinking, communication, self-awareness, confidence and relationship building. We hope to create a tribe of strong, independent females who are equipped and empowered to take on a competitive world. 

The online programme comprises of group discussions, self-analysis and activities. There are 15 hours of live workshops over 10 days, with 3 months of mentorship support thereafter. ​ https://www.ivyplusnetwork.com/girlslead 

Both the programmes will feature some of Sri Lanka’s most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators who have excelled in their fields. In addition, the programme will also provide a platform for students to interact with internationally acclaimed entrepreneurs and leaders.

Swati Sahni, a successful entrepreneur based in India founded IvyPlus Network. Swati has worked in the education policy space for over a decade with organisations including UNICEF, World Bank and Ministry of Human Resource Development has a Masters in International Education Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she was a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar.

“After India and the Middle East, we are excited to bring our programmes  – Ivy Young Entrepreneur & Ivy Girls Lead – to Sri Lanka next!”, she stated about the launch.

Academics Group is Sri Lanka’s first cross-sector education think-tank with a vision to help create a more open and connected education system. Based in Colombo and focused on education reform, technology & innovation, Academics Group was founded by a group of top professionals from cross-sectoral disciplines.

“We are excited about our partnership and the impact these programmes will have on our super talented and ambitious students. Academics Group was launched to make a difference through education and we are pleased with the response we are getting from both students and parents” said Balendran Kandeban, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Academics Group.

“IVY Young Entrepreneur” will help students to lean:

  • Step by Step Process – Identify opportunities, learn about your customer, create your offering, and design your business plan.
  • A Mindset for Success – Develop leadership, collaboration skills, and grit while navigating team and product challenges.
  • Skills for Your Future – Experience simulations and learn from real-world case studies of companies to build relevant skills.

 “IVY Girls Lead will help students learn:

  • Self-Knowledge – Identify your values and how to leverage your strengths.
  • Positive Affirmation – Increasing confidence in your ideas and taking risks.
  • Being Authentic – Embrace and accept your unique self.
  • Creating Connections – Build relationships with peers and mentors.
  • Being a Leader – Learn what it means to be a leader and inspire others.
  • Breaking Gender Stereotypes – Break stereotypes on the kind of careers women can pursue.
  • Managing the Digital World – Learn how to manage yourselves digitally by drawing boundaries to stay emotionally healthy.

IVY Young Entrepreneur – 16th – 26th Nov 2020 from 10 am to 12 pm.

IVY Girls Lead – 30th Nov – 11th Dec 2020 from 10.30 am to 12 pm.

For further information and course details, students and/or parents could speak to Academics representative on +94 768 909 983 or email: hello@academics.lk. Alternatively could access the registration links provided in the article for each of the program.