SCHOOLS can tap on a new $4.5 million fund by Spring Singapore to develop programmes and activities to engage students in entrepreneurship learning opportunities.

The scheme aims to encourage schools to encourage entrepreneurship in an innovative way and cultivate a mindset for enterprise among the students and teachers.

The scheme is open to polytechnics, ITE colleges, junior colleges and secondary schools.

Called the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Schools, it was launched by Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Minister in charge of Entrepreneurship at the Spirit of Enterprise Awards Ceremony yesterday(oct 10).

The scheme taps on the $25 million Entrepreneurial Talent Development Fund, launched in 2004 which provides seed money to students with sound business plans. To-date, 117 students and alumni from nine polytechnics and universities have tapped on the fund for 46 business ventures.

The new scheme launched yesterday will provide full funding to support structured entrepreneurial learning activities in schools.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.