LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) has announced the 160 students who have accepted its invitation to attend the 2024 Summer Startup experience. 

Hundreds of high school students apply to the program each year, which gives them a chance to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills. The GSE said more than 900 students have graduated from the program since 2013.

“Congratulations to all of the students selected for the class of 2024,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky. “This experience will impact the rest of their lives as they learn how to develop their ideas into a service or product and pitch it to potential investors in just three weeks. These entrepreneurial skills are what we need to continue to build on Team Kentucky.”

The GSE selects participants through a comprehensive evaluation process, identifying those who are passionate about problem-solving and entrepreneurship. It does not involve GPA or test scores. 

During the three-week program, students work in teams to identify real-world problems and create solutions through business model designs and product innovations, the GSE said. Ending the program is "Demo Day," when students pitch their businesses to hundreds of audience members and a panel of judges.

There is no cost to participate in the Summer Startup program, and students are eligible for millions in college scholarships across Kentucky, the GSE added.

“GSE’s Summer Startup program is the entrepreneurial opportunity of a lifetime for students interested in creating their own success story," said Anne Jewell, GSE president and CEO. "The experience empowers Kentucky’s future innovators to develop from high school students into business owners."

Jewell added Summer Startup alumni have launched dozens of businesses across the commonwealth.

New for 2024, the program has expanded to two campuses, with 80 students participating at each one. The first Summer Startup session will take place June 16 through July 6 at Thomas More University in Crestview Hills near Cincinnati. The second is set for June 23 through July 13 at the University of Kentucky.