GreenVET pathway

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Student created learning companies

Students created learning companies focused on developing greener and more sustainable solutions. Through these student-led initiatives, they explored eco-friendly business ideas, promoted environmental awareness, and gained practical experience in sustainable entrepreneurship, contributing to a more environmentally conscious school culture.

Key People and Partners Involved

Students and teachers
School leadership and staff
Parents and families
Local businesses and community organizations

Description of the practice

Students created learning companies focused on developing greener and more sustainable solutions. These companies were part of hands-on learning experiences that encouraged young people to take action on environmental challenges through entrepreneurship. For example, some student groups designed reusable shopping bags made from textile waste or developed zero-waste lunchbox kits to reduce single-use plastics in schools.

Through these student-led initiatives, participants explored a range of eco-friendly business ideas, including natural cosmetics made from local ingredients, refill stations for cleaning products, and educational games about climate change. These activities helped students apply their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while learning how sustainable businesses operate in real life.

By managing these learning companies, students raised environmental awareness both within their schools and in the wider community. They participated in local eco-markets, presented their ideas at sustainability fairs, and collaborated with international partner schools to exchange green business ideas. As a result, students gained practical experience in sustainable entrepreneurship and contributed to building a more environmentally conscious school culture.

Where it’s being implemented

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource.

A team of twelve students from a secondary technical school in Bratislava developed Devecol, a smart and interactive application designed to mobilize communities for environmental clean-up activities. The app encourages users to collect waste from natural areas, promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship. Their impactful project earned them the UniCredit Foundation Re-Power Your Future Award at the Gen-E 2024 festival in Catania, Italy.
https://jaeurope.org/european-youth-elevate-their-communities-through-entrepreneurship/
Victor Magaud, a master's student at ESSEC Business School, launched Phytopolis, an initiative that transforms urban spaces into green havens using a method called arboricomposting. This technique combines above-ground planting with organic waste recycling, enabling plants to thrive in environments where traditional in-ground planting isn't feasible. Since its inception in May 2024, Phytopolis has introduced 17 arboricomposter designs, supplying various institutions and public spaces across France
https://www.ft.com/content/767f0d8a-9584-42c2-a160-3564eef8039b"utm
In Latvia, high school students established Care to Smile, a company producing eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes. Their mission is to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable oral hygiene products. By combining environmental consciousness with entrepreneurship, these students have created a product that addresses both health and ecological concerns
https://nordregio.org/publications/care-to-smile-a-sustainable-high-school-student-company/

Impact and Results

Increased Environmental Awareness
Development of Eco-Friendly Business Ideas
Practical Entrepreneurial Skills
Strengthened School Culture of Sustainability
Community Engagement and Outreach

Implementation Tips and Insights

Start Small and Focused
Integrate Sustainability into Learning
Engage Teachers and School Management
Foster Teamwork and Student Ownership
Connect with Local Experts and Businesses

Useful Links and Resources

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource. JA Worldwide is one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-focused nonprofits, providing hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health to over 15 million students annually across more than 100 countries.
https://jaeurope.org/