You Only Learn Twice —Lean Entrepreneurship Education in Lower Secondary Schools and Implications for University Outreach

Compared with other industrialized countries, entrepreneurship education remains underrepresented in German primary and secondary schools. In response, North Rhine Westphalia is strengthening economic education, including a redesigned compulsory elective "Economics" for grades 9–10. This contribution presents a cooperative pilot between Marienschule der Ursulinen (Bielefeld) and the Center for Entrepreneurship at HSBI: 10th grade students take part in an 8–12 week, low threshold Lean Startup module combining on campus kickoff sessions, digital teaching materials, regular (online) coaching, and a final group pitch to an expert panel. The module fosters action based learning, introduces students to university life, and may have implications for higher education outreach and marketing amid declining enrollment.