For the first time in its 10-year history, the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) will call two 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 for Thomas More University in Crestview Hills from June 16 to July 6 and at the University of Kentucky from June 23 to July 14, according to a news release.
“Both [universities] have demonstrated their deep commitment to and passion for developing Kentucky’s current and future entrepreneurs," said Anne Jewell, president and CEO of GSE in the release.
High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning more about entrepreneurship can apply at kentuckygse.com until Jan. 22.
“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,” said Jeni Al Bahrani in the release.
Al Bahrani serves as the director of Thomas More University’s Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“With GSE’s expertise, this partnership will be the cornerstone for nurturing the next wave of leaders and entrepreneurs, shaping a dynamic and innovative future,” said Silas Deane in the release.
Deane serves as the chair of the Von Allmen School of Entrepreneurship Advisory Board at UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics.
To date, 941 high school students have graduated from GSE’s summer program since it began in 2013, according to the release. The GSE, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., has had its graduates qualify 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 began in 2013 at Georgetown College. Its previous homes included Transylvania University and, most recently, Northern Kentucky University, where it had been since 2019.
