What happens when you give agriculture students genuine community support? They don’t just learn – they lead.
The brief
Support Year 10 Agriculture students and the school community at Canowindra High School develop their businesses into social enterprises on behalf of ACRE. In 2025, the school joined ACRE’s Social Enterprise Schools program (supported by the Sally Foundation), providing opportunity to strengthen enterprise planning, connect students with wider networks, and showcase their work.
Outcomes achieved:
- Annual Agribusiness Pitch, Market and Farm Tour Day established as a flagship community event
- Online trading introduced, doubling Market Day income and expanding reach beyond the local community
- $8,520 in venture-style support secured; new volunteers and industry partnerships established
- Launch of Cano ACRE Angels, a student-led charity designed to meet local needs
- Peer and regional learning strengthened through school-to-school exchange and farmer engagement
- Students emerged confident, capable, and proud – social entrepreneurs with real-world experience
What we learned
Purpose-driven student enterprise, when properly supported and connected to community, amplifies learning, fosters meaningful engagement, and delivers tangible social impact.
“We were confident in our students and our approach, but working with Rebecca expanded what was possible. Together, we built and implemented a plan of action to embed a social enterprise culture in our school and community, creating a space where students were recognised and celebrated for their leadership, dedication, and innovation – and where they realised their power to transform rural communities forever”.
Karen Stuttle, Head Teacher Technology and Applied Sciences, formerly Canowindra High School, now Grenfell High School