Technological advancements, the rise of artificial intelligence, climate change, and demographic shifts are just a few of the factors accelerating global transformation. In this context, it is increasingly important for higher education to equip students with the skills they need to navigate this ever-changing world, such as innovation, resilience, and leadership.
With that goal in mind, Fundación Luksic, through its International Education area, in partnership with Babson College—ranked the number one university in the U.S. for entrepreneurship education—is offering the course “Entrepreneurship as a Life Skill” for the first time in Chile. A total of 44 students from technical and vocational higher education institutions in Puerto Montt and Llanquihue, Los Lagos Region, will participate.
The initiative is being promoted in collaboration with Santo Tomás, DuocUC, CFT de Llanquihue, AIEP, and the Technological Institute of the University of Los Lagos. It aims to provide students in their second or third year of study with tools to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and develop key skills for their future, such as the ability to innovate and solve challenges, adaptability in the face of uncertainty, teamwork, and more.
“We are convinced that fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students can significantly contribute to their professional and personal growth. This is a pilot program, and we hope to see positive results that allow us to continue developing these kinds of opportunities in Chile,” emphasized María Trinidad García, Director of International Education at Fundación Luksic.
The program was launched during the week of October 7th and will be delivered in a hybrid format, with five weeks of virtual classes and group challenges, as well as two in-person sessions in Puerto Varas, featuring participation from Babson College faculty.
The course content is an adaptation of Babson College’s “Entrepreneurial Mindset” program taught in the United States. During the launch ceremony, Andrew Corbett, Paul T. Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies, welcomed the students, and together with the Babson College team, led various activities to introduce concepts related to the entrepreneurial mindset.
Entrepreneurial Immersion and Experiences
The 44 participants come from various academic programs and specialties. Gloria Mansilla, a second-year Massage Therapy student at AIEP, remarked, “This is an amazing opportunity, and these are life skills that will serve us well and give an extra edge to our careers. At 53 years old, this is the first time I’ve studied, as I first had to raise my daughters, but now it’s my time. I’m thrilled to participate in this project.”
Meanwhile, Leticia Jara, a second-year Special Education student at the State Technical Training Center of Los Lagos, explained that she applied for the course because “it’s something innovative for my field. It can also provide valuable skills for both my personal and professional life. It’s a great challenge to win the prize, and it would be amazing to travel to the U.S. and experience that. It would be something new for me as I haven’t had the opportunity to visit other countries.”
At the end of the program, four participants who excel in the group challenges will be awarded full scholarships to attend Babson Build, an entrepreneurial immersion program that will take place in July 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
