ABSTRACT
This study used the Deaf Entrepreneurship Program (DEP) to address the lack of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills of selected Deaf learners. Specifically, it aimed at enhancing the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) of seven Grade 10 Deaf students of Agusan National High School – Special Education Program for the School Year 2019 - 2020 who have not yet undertaken any entrepreneurial classes. The study employed the pretest-posttest design and utilized the 55-item PECs Self-Rating Questionnaire of MSI (1990). The test was administered and interpreted thoroughly in sign language. Lectures, workshops, interviews, written reflections, and collaboration with Deaf adults were applied during the two-month implementation of DEP – Phase I. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed to assess the key entrepreneurial competencies of the participants. Findings showed that the entrepreneurial interests of the Deaf participants were evident at the onset of this research. At the end of the implementation of DEP – Phase I, an overall increase in the participants’ mean of total posttest PECs scores was observed. Albeit there was a slight decrease in the posttest score of one of the participants, the score still implies a high inclination towards entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial competencies are seen as important to economic growth, and the success of the Deaf learners in the field of entrepreneurship relies heavily on the support of the involved stakeholders and rigorous research that will further advance the Deaf learners’ entrepreneurial interests and skills.