Students from as far as Antigua, Barbuda, China, Japan, and Kenya are in Jersey this week to take part in an annual female leadership programme inspired by BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
Over 50 local and international students are battling it out for the chance to secure funding to make their entrepreneurial project a reality as part of the Jersey College Foundation’s LEAP programme.
The scheme aims to empower young women from around the world to explore leadership, enterprise, and personal growth.
The annual programme, which is taking place from Thursday 10 until Thursday 17 July at the Radisson Hotel, has been running since 2018 – with a two-year break due to the pandemic.
Each year, Jersey becomes host to delegates from all over the world as they team up with students from local schools.
Participants aged between 14 and 18 work together in teams to create and pitch a project with the chance of winning funds from a real investment pot.
The scheme aims to help students develop business and entrepreneurial skills including networking and team building.
Over 100 speakers, mentors, trainers and so-called ‘dragons’ will give up their time throughout the week to share their knowledge and expertise with the LEAP delegates.
Some of the students have had their travel costs to Jersey subsidised by corporate sponsors.
