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The Young Minds Programme helps school-leavers, students, and young graduates to create their own career opportunities in life. The programme is presented by USB Executive Development (USB-ED), the private executive development company of Stellenbosch University.

INTRODUCTION
When you are at the daunting crossroads of making decisions that affect your future, you can find yourself facing a world full of endless opportunities. You want to do something that will best suit you and will help you to succeed and reach your full potential. Deciding on a career path is one of the most important, yet challenging decisions every young adult faces. Once they leave school, they don’t know what their next steps are:

“What am I interested in? What do I want to study? What do I want to become? And, where do I start?”

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This programme assists matriculants who want to prepare for a successful career, students who feel unsure about their current study choices, or young graduates who want to create their own career opportunities or move into corporate business.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
The Young Minds Programme is specifically designed to equip school-leavers and young adults with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools, and mindset to be better prepared for the next chapter in their lives – the world of study and work, as well as life in general. This is achieved by helping them define their goals, strengths, and direction before enrolling in tertiary courses/degrees, embarking on a fixed career path, as well as building the career and life of their dreams.

Participants learn about, among other core themes, Business Management, Entrepreneurial Thinking, and Personal Mastery, and gain access to life coaches and job shadowing guidance, as well as undergo psychometric testing. It is a truly personalised learning experience structured to help students design the career and life they desire and deserve – and kickstart their professional journey with the utmost confidence.

Over the course of 9 months, participants will discover:
– Who you are and what you want to achieve in life.
– The dynamics of the modern economic environment.
– The essence of entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour.
– To capitalise on opportunities to create wealth for yourself.
– The principles of managing a small to medium business.
– Explore the practicalities of the real world of work.
– Report back on your experience in group presentations.
– Develop your presentation skills and confidence.
– Present a life plan and comprehensive business plan.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Provisional acceptance into the programme will be granted based on the achievement of a minimum pass mark of 50% for prelim / mid-year Grade 12 results. Participants are still required to submit their final Grade 12 results on receipt. No specific Grade 12 subjects are required for admittance to the programme.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

*Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Young Minds Programme 2021 successfully follows a Blended Learning model (part Remote Learning via Zoom – part Face-to-Face Learning). For the purposes of the SU Virtual Open Day, the Design and admission criteria, programme design and module content of the Young Minds Programme 2021 will still apply to 2022, however the means of learning and presentation is uncertain at this stage. USB-ED will be better placed to communicate how and where the programme will be presented, as well as the 2022 fees, towards the third quarter of 2021 (August / September).

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Admission requirements | What is the minimum admission %?

A National Certificate with a minimum average of 55%.

Admission requirements | What results do I apply with?

Provisional acceptance onto the programme will be granted based on the achievement of a minimum 55% for prelim / mid-year grade 12 results. Participants are still required to submit final grade 12 results to the Programme Manager on receipt, in order to be awarded his / her Stellenbosch University certificate on successful completion of the programme.

Admission requirements | Do I have to have done certain subjects in grade 12 to qualify for the Young Minds Programme?

No specific grade 12 subjects are required for admittance to the programme.

2022 Registration | When will registration open for 2022?

Registrations will be open from early September 2021, if not sooner. In order to be notified    once registrations open, we encourage you to email youngminds@usb-ed.com to have your name added to a waiting list.

2022 Registration | When will applications close for the 2022 programme?

+/- a month before the start of the programme. Assuming the 2022 programme will be permitted to start on time in early February, registration will close in early January 2022.

Accommodation, Language, Activities and Clubs | Can I apply for Stellenbosch University residence?

No, but for private accommodation options, contact Academia at applications@academia.co.za. In addition, the Private Student Organisation (PSO) is an organisation which caters to students who don’t live in the SU residences. PSO’s do not provide accommodation – it is the students’ own responsibility to find suitable private accommodation.

Accommodation, Language, Activities and Clubs | What is the official language of the Programme?

English

Accommodation, Language, Activities and Clubs | Can I partake in official university activities/clubs (like join a residence, Matie Sport etc)?

As a participant of this programme you are entitled to make use of the SU sports facilities (under certain conditions) and partake in the organised social activities on the SU campus through the Private Student Organisations (PSO).

Accreditation and Certification | Where does USB-ED fit in within the Stellenbosch University ecosystem?

USB-ED is a private company within Stellenbosch University and our focus is short course offerings in the fields of leadership and management. Our Programmes are certified by the University and quality-assured by the University of Stellenbsoch Business School.

Accreditation and Certification | What will be the value of the Certificate that I will receive?

The certificate that you will receive gets awarded to participants who successfully complete    the programme. It is not, however, a formal qualification and does not facilitate admission to a degree course at SU.

Accreditation and Certification | Is the course accredited?

USB-ED is accredited with the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) under the auspices of the University of Stellenbosch. The HEQC does not issue accreditation numbers to legally constituted training institutions such as USB-ED.

Accreditation and Certification | Is the course accredited internationally?

No

Accreditation and Certification | Can I earn credits towards my subsequent application for University (SU and others)?

No

Assessment & Requirements to pass | Do I have to do all the modules?

Yes

Assessment & Requirements to pass | Do I have assignments as well as individual and group projects?

Yes

Assessment & Requirements to pass | How do I qualify for the certificate?

By attending a minimum of 90% of activities and passing all subjects, assignments and projects with a minimum of 50%.

Access to a computer and internet | Do I need to have access to my own laptop and Wi-Fi?

As you will have to submit assignments electronically (no written assignments are accepted), you will need to have continuous access to a laptop with a stable, uninterrupted internet connection. This applies specifically to the compulsory Remote Learning modules, if applicable. Participants are responsible for their own arrangements relating to laptop access and stable Wi-Fi/data for self-study and remote learning, if applicable.

Access to a computer and internet | Will I have access to campus WiFi?

Yes, you will have access to campus WiFi when on campus (which is only accessible within Stellenbosch University buildings). If you are staying in a private residence, WiFi access must be privately arranged.

Access to a computer and internet | Will I have access to the SU library?

Library access can be arranged.

Permitted Activities outside of Young Minds | Is it permissible to re-write grade 12 subjects during the year while on the programme?

Yes, it is permitted to re-write grade 12 subjects during the year, however Young Minds Programme must take priority and no exceptions will be made in terms of attendance.

Permitted Activities outside of Young Minds | Is it permissible to participate in sports on a national level while on the programme?

Yes, as per above, assuming the Young Minds Programme takes priority.

Enquiries | Who can I contact if I have questions about the programme?

Please contact our enquiries team on info@usb-ed.com or +27 21 918 4488. See the course page on our website: https://usb-ed.com/courses/young-minds-programme/.

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