Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup

About

The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs’ Summer Startup is a free three-week residential entrepreneurship program for Kentucky 9th–11th graders, with the 2027 session scheduled at the University of Kentucky and applications due February 1, 2027.

Benefits

• 🆓Free Participation
  The program is free for selected student entrepreneurs
• 🧠Entrepreneurial Skills
  Participants learn lifelong entrepreneurial skills through an immersive, three-week program
• 👥Team and Network
  Students join an innovative community and build connections and friendships with peers
• 🚀Business-Building Experience
  Students work in teams to develop business plans and product or service prototypes and participate in a pitch competition
• 🤝Mentorship and Expertise
  Students can gain access to mentors, experts, and entrepreneurs
• 🎓Scholarship Eligibility
  GSE graduates qualify for millions of dollars in college scholarships from Kentucky universities and colleges, and scholarship awards are not guaranteed

Eligibility Criteria

• Student Status
• Mandatory requirement of being a Kentucky 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student
• Application Components
• Mandatory requirement of an online application, a 90-second video, and two recommendations from people who are not family members or friends
• Selection Criteria
• GPA and standardized test scores are not considered
• Preferred Qualities
• Preferred demonstrated drive, creativity, resilience, curiosity, comfort with risk and failure, and collaboration, and prior business experience is not required

Participation Commitments

• Three-week residential commitment
• Selected students live on campus for the full three-week program.
• Attendance requirement
• Students cannot be absent except for emergency, illness, or an overriding personal reason.
• Cost
• The program is free for selected students; no tuition or program fee is stated.

Target Region

Kentucky, United States — applicants must be Kentucky 9th, 10th, or 11th grade students.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other