For the first time in its 10-year history, the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) will call two new campuses home in the commonwealth.
Applications are now open for high school students in Kentucky to take part in GSE’s free, three-week Summer Startup program, scheduled to take place at Thomas More University in Crestview Hills from June 16-July 6 and the University of Kentucky from June 23-July 14.
“Both [universities] have demonstrated their deep commitment to and passion for developing Kentucky’s current and future entrepreneurs," Anne Jewell, president and CEO of GSE, said in a news release.
High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning more about entrepreneurship can apply at kentuckygse.com until Jan. 22.
Jeni Al Bahrani, inaugural director of Thomas More's Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said GSE aims to help empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides incubator space for students, faculty and staff to explore and test ideas, is a fitting home.
“GSE has developed a strong reputation for entrepreneurial education, and as the innovation destination of the region, our collaboration will empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs," Al Bahrani said in the release. “I am excited for Thomas More University to partner with GSE, marking a new era for entrepreneurship education in the commonwealth."
To date, 941 high school students have graduated from GSE’s summer program, one of the first of its kind in the United States, since it began in 2013, according to the release. GSE graduates have qualified for millions of dollars in scholarships at colleges and universities across Kentucky. GSE graduates have also launched dozens of businesses, as well as filed several patents.
“Kentucky has so many bright, talented and creative students, and opportunities available through GSE can help those who dream of becoming an entrepreneur succeed,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in the release. “GSE teaches them how to take an idea and turn it into a product or service and then pitch it to a panel of judges in just three weeks. It teaches them how to work with a team and gives them opportunities to learn from successful business people and fellow participants while getting a taste of living on a university campus.”
The GSE launched at Georgetown College. Its previous homes included Transylvania University and, most recently, Northern Kentucky University, where it had been since 2019. In May 2022, NKU and GSE announce their partnership to host the annual summer program at NKU has been extended through 2026.
