LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University will host the 2017-18 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, an innovative program that teaches entrepreneurship to Kentucky high school students.
During the three-week summer session, a select group of students will turn their bright ideas into real products with the guidance of high school teachers, college professors, business leaders and other mentors. There is no GPA or test score requirement to be accepted into GSE. The program looks for motivated teens who want to develop products that solve problems. Students apply to GSE online at www.KentuckyGSE.com in the fall.
“We are pleased to have this relationship with Transy,” said Laurie Daugherty, GSE’s executive director. “Being here will allow us to expand on the resources and opportunities we offer our student entrepreneurs.”
GSE is an enrichment experience similar to the state’s successful Governor’s Scholars Program and Governor’s School for the Arts, which Transylvania has hosted. The Kentucky Entrepreneurship Education Network (KEENStart), a Lexington-based nonprofit, manages GSE. Georgetown College had hosted the GSE sessions since they began in 2013. GSE is a public-private partnership with funding from the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and many private foundations and sponsors.
The immersive program teaches work and life skills, including teamwork and problem solving, in an environment where it is safe to take risks with ideas. Students are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities—from 3-D printers to a high ropes course.
On a larger scale, these young entrepreneurs go on to contribute to Kentucky’s economic development, effecting positive economic change in struggling communities, for instance.
GSE students will stay in Transylvania residence halls, take field trips to businesses and learn about product design and business models. At the end of the session, teams of the students will pitch their business for cash prizes.
“We are thrilled to host the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs,” Transylvania President Seamus Carey said. “Both the program and our university aim to foster creative thinking, innovation and personal development—so we see this as a great partnership. We look forward to welcoming these students to campus next summer.”
Transylvania serves as host to other groups that contribute to youth and community development. These include the Latino Leadership and College Experience Camp, Youth Salute, YMCA Black Achievers and the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship Student Congress.
“We are committed to partnering with the community and developing young leaders,” Carey said. “And these programs here at Transylvania show students—who may never have visited a college campus—that higher education is a real and desirable option.”