LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Online applications for the 2024 class of the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) and its Summer Startup program for Kentucky high school students are open until January 22.GSE’s new website includes an improved application interface at kentuckygse.com. All Kentucky 9th-, 10th- and 11th-graders interested in entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply. GSE does not consider grade point averages or test scores in its application. The program is free for students.
GSE identifies, inspires, and empowers Kentucky’s future innovators with its three-week Summer Startup program. The intensive, non-traditional learning experience develops entrepreneurial skills with lifelong impact. The goal is to help foster economic growth across the commonwealth by supporting the business dreams of students who have the drive and passion to be entrepreneurs and create jobs in Kentucky.
“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. “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.”
Two New Campus Partners
For the first time in its 10-year history, GSE’s Summer Startup program will take place on two campuses. Thomas More University and the University of Kentucky each will host one three-week session in 2024.
“GSE couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with these two fantastic universities for our Summer Startup program,” says Anne Jewell, president and CEO of the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs. “Both have demonstrated their deep commitment to and passion for developing Kentucky’s current and future entrepreneurs. We can’t wait for our students to experience the exceptional opportunities and environments at Thomas More University and the University of Kentucky.”
Thomas More University will host the first session from June 16 to July 6, 2024, on its campus in Crestview Hills, located in the northern Kentucky region.
“I am excited for Thomas More University to partner with GSE, marking a new era for entrepreneurship education in the commonwealth,” says Jeni Al Bahrani, director of Thomas More University’s Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “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.”
The University of Kentucky session will run June 23 to July 13, 2024, at the Gatton College of Business and Economics in Lexington.
“Collaborating with GSE marks a significant milestone for the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Together, we are charting the course for a new era in entrepreneurship education within our commonwealth. 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,” says Silas Deane, Chair of the Von Allmen School of Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Kentucky was one of the first states in the nation to create a Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs. To date, 941 high school students have graduated from GSE’s summer programsince it began in 2013. Graduates qualify for millions of dollars in scholarships at colleges and universities across Kentucky. Dozens of businesses have been launched in Kentucky by GSE graduates and several patents have been filed.
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