Research teams from Ashesi and McGill Universities have highlighted the transformative role of experiential learning in driving entrepreneurial actions among students and alumni. Ashesi University hosted key stakeholders and partners to share key findings from their collaborative study on experiential learning and its role in driving entrepreneurial actions among students and alumni.

The event, held under the Mastercard Foundation Partner Research Fund Project, brought together representatives from the University of Ghana, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Koforidua Technical University, and Leti Arts to share how they are shaping their student and alumni communities through experiential learning initiatives.

The research, which compared experiential learning models at Ashesi and McGill, examined how classroom, community, and work-focused engagements drive entrepreneurial actions among students and alumni, as well as how to prepare them for the job market through various support systems. Findings highlighted the importance of community involvement in enhancing experiential learning and its role in transitioning entrepreneurial intentions into tangible actions.

The study revealed that experiential learning is transformative and extends far beyond traditional classroom settings and experiences. The findings also suggested the need to build a gatekeeping concept and alumni support systems that help reintegrate students into the community after school. Practical, real-world engagements are pivotal in equipping students with entrepreneurial skills.

“Experiential learning goes beyond the classroom, so we must continue exploring ways to create opportunities for our students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while documenting and amplifying their achievements,” says Associate Professor Gordon Adomdza from Ashesi University.

The research also underscored the need for community engagement to amplify student exposures, demonstrating how intentional practical interactions empower students and alumni to take actionable steps toward entrepreneurship. It suggests that universities must actively involve alumni in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Alumni experiences and networks can enhance learning outcomes for current students.

“Experiential learning is important because it sets us apart. At Ashesi, this is what we live by, and our hope is that we will be able to share our stories in ways that empower and inspire other institutions. Experiential learning should go beyond students to alumni,” reiterated Professor Gordon Adomdza.

Representatives from McGill University in Canada, the University of Ghana, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Koforidua Technical University, and Leti Arts shared highlights of various initiatives being undertaken by their institutions to improve and enhance experiential learning and opportunities available to their students and alumni.

The research team emphasized their commitment to further engagement with stakeholders and sharing more resource outputs. By doing so, they aim to strengthen experiential learning frameworks, foster entrepreneurial ecosystems that drive sustainable development, and explore ways to attract international partnerships, including funding, to support entrepreneurial innovations.