24638: What Lies Beneath... and Above? How to Advance Student Entrepreneur Learning at a Deep Level

Entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions (HEIs) has evolved beyond fostering startups to embracing diverse forms of entrepreneurship, including nonprofits, intrapreneurship, and social initiatives. It cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets that emphasize creativity, tenacity, teamwork, and responsibility, enhancing employability and empowering individuals to act as agents of change. This symposium explores the "what," "why," and "how" of entrepreneurship education, emphasizing its role in addressing social and climate challenges. It highlights the importance of understanding cognitive and neuroscientific foundations for transformative learning and developing policies that foster impactful programs. Despite its potential, entrepreneurship education faces challenges in rigorous assessment and theoretical development. Current research often measures "impact" via entrepreneurial intentions, neglecting deeper learning outcomes. Tools like the EPIC assessment framework aim to evaluate skills, behaviors, and mindsets, providing a more comprehensive understanding. The symposium convenes experts in entrepreneurial learning, neuroentrepreneurship, and policy to discuss best practices, assessment strategies, and the integration of rigorous science into education. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, leveraging their expertise to contribute to a collective vision for advancing the field. By aligning research, policy, and practice, the symposium seeks to create actionable insights to prepare students as entrepreneurial ecosystem actors and builders. It underscores the need for meaningful change by addressing not just the "what," but also the "why" and "how" of entrepreneurship education.