Natasha Sams dives into what it took to make a Kentucky teacher become an innovation leader for the Commonwealth's future entrepreneurs.

The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) identifies and enables Kentucky high school students to become our Commonwealth's next generation of entrepreneurs. Through our three-week residential experience, GSE participants from throughout the Commonwealth are: 1) introduced to KY's most successful entrepreneurs and fastest-growing businesses, 2) equipped with the tools and skills to create and build their own businesses, and 3) matched with complementary skilled peers to develop business plans and product or service prototypes.

The annual GSE intensive program culminates in a pitch competition attended by a large audience representing Kentucky's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition, as a direct result of their participation in GSE, participants qualify for some $3 million of scholarships from Kentucky's universities and colleges. Over 500 young Kentuckians have graduated from GSE since our inception in 2013.

While all participants gain vital entrepreneurial skills through the program to use as they enter the workplace or continue into higher education, 11 new businesses have already been launched by young entrepreneurs. Others have filed for multiple patents and developed new ideas and relationships that sow the seeds for more business formation. Many alumni have chosen to enroll in entrepreneurial programs at Kentucky universities and attribute this decision to the inspiration they received while attending GSE in high school.

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