The Kentucky Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs is returning to Northern Kentucky in 2024 – this time in a new location.
Thomas More University in Crestview Hills is joining the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs annual Summer Startup program for the first time in the program’s 10-year history. Northern Kentucky University previously hosted the summer program from 2019 to 2023.
Thomas More is just one of two universities hosting the program for the first time — the other being the University of Kentucky. GSE’s mission statement is to empower high school students interested in an entrepreneurial career during a three-week, on-campus residency program.
“GSE couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with these two fantastic universities for our Summer Startup program,” said President of the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Anne Jewell in a new release.
Throughout the program, students are coached on the necessary skills for an entrepreneurial career, including how to build a product or prototype and develop a business plan. Students with complementary skill sets are matched together in a team of five.
The program’s finale is a pitch competition in which participants take the stage to present their prototype and business plan to a panel of judges and a live audience. The event is slated to be live-streamed.
The summer session at Thomas More will be spearheaded by Jeni Al Bahrani, director of the university’s Zembrodt School 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,” said Al Bahrani in the release.
Thomas More University President Joseph Chillo called the collaboration an “extraordinary opportunity.”
“By hosting this program, we are not only fostering innovation and entrepreneurship but also providing a platform for young minds to flourish and make a lasting impact on the world,” said Chillo.
So far, over 900 students have participated since the inaugural summer program in 2013. Since then, GSE participants have earned millions of dollars worth of scholarship money from universities across the state.
Applications first opened on Oct. 13 are due Jan. 22. The first summer session at Thomas More is scheduled to take place from June 16 to July 6, while the second session at the University of Kentucky is from June 23 to July 13.