UK Gatton College, GSE extend partnership to empower future business leaders
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 20, 2025) — The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) and the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky have announced a three-year extension of their partnership.
The GSE “Summer Startup” program will be held on campus through 2027.
Following a highly successful inaugural summer session in 2024, the collaboration marks a continued investment in Kentucky’s next generation of business leaders and innovators.
The 2025 GSE “Summer Startup” will be the largest single session in program history — with 160 high school students on UK’s campus June 22-July 13. As part of the program, they will build personal and professional skills to nurture new business ideas and their entrepreneurial talents.
“This program gives Kentucky students the support they need to become tomorrow’s business leaders,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Last year, UK proved to be a great partner in helping our young entrepreneurs succeed, and we’re pleased to extend this partnership with the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics through 2027.”
“GSE and UK Gatton College’s missions align beautifully in helping Kentucky’s young people develop into confident, successful entrepreneurs,” said Anne Jewell, president and CEO of GSE. “UK Gatton College offers world-class facilities and a devoted, talented team that has embraced our program and our students. We’re thrilled to build on the momentum from last year’s success and continue our work together.”
GSE selected Gatton College for its strong, shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit throughout Kentucky. The college offers state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces, a dynamic alumni network and a dedicated team focused on student success.
“We’re proud to welcome GSE Summer Startup back to Gatton College,” said Gatton College Dean Simon Sheather. “This partnership is a natural fit with our mission to prepare the next generation of business leaders. Together, we are creating lasting impact by reaching students from every corner of the state and encouraging their aspirations.”
More about the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs
Since its founding in 2013, GSE has empowered more than 1,000 Kentucky high school students to pursue their business dreams, while developing the entrepreneurial skills needed to lead in any field. The extended partnership with UK ensures this important work continues to thrive in an environment that mirrors the entrepreneurial energy and innovation championed by GSE.
The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs identifies, inspires and empowers Kentucky’s future innovators. GSE’s Summer Startup program develops entrepreneurial skills in high school students and qualifies them for college scholarships. GSE’s Collegiate Pitch program is Kentucky’s largest intercollegiate pitch competition — offering thousands of dollars in prizes. Because of strong partnerships with entities like the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet and the Cabinet for Economic Development, along with private and public supporters, GSE programs are free for selected student entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit kentuckygse.com.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.