Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup Program announces competition winners
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Some innovative Kentucky high school students created business solutions for real-world problems during the 2024 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs.
Some problems tackled included food deserts, crash-test dummies and challenges faced by breast cancer patients. This year, GSE says 158 students finished the program.
According to a release by GSE, the program for high schoolers lasts three weeks.
Each team pitches its business idea to a large audience and a panel of judges. The teams field questions from the judges, who deliberate and select the top three ideas, according to the release.
“Kentucky’s youth are amazing and leading in such innovative ways,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “With so many great jobs coming to Kentucky it is exciting to see the next generation working so hard to help us continue our economic momentum. Congrats to everyone for their great ideas and hard work.”
The release says the goal is to help support economic growth across Kentucky by supporting the business dreams of students who have the drive and passion to be entrepreneurs and create jobs in Kentucky.
The winning team receives $1,000. Second place is awarded $750, and the team placing third receives $500. GSE Summer Startup held two sessions this summer, one on the campus of Thomas More University and the other at the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Session One winners, Thomas More campus:
First Place: Oasis – An innovative mobile food bank that collaborates with local farmers to address food desert challenges in Appalachia.
Oasis Team:
Mason Atnip, McCracken County, Paducah Tilghman High School
Carlie Hinken, Rowan County, Rowan County High School
Saanvi Vinod, Jefferson County, Ballard High School
Cindy Wang, Fayette County, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Andrew Wilson, Martin County, Martin County High School
Second Place: Athena – Car crash test-dummy manufacturer solving the lack of female representation in crash testing with dummies representing different shapes, sizes and genders.
Athena Team:
Kashton Webster, Trimble County Homeschool
Molly Miller, Muhlenberg County, Muhlenberg County High School
Rocco Rinaldi, Union County, Larry A. Ryle High School
Summer Brown, Breckinridge County, Breckinridge County High School
Ananya Polepalli, Jefferson County, DuPont Manual High School
Third Place: FloWays – Subscription box of menstrual products, with profits directed toward combating period poverty in developing nations, ensuring access to essential hygiene products for those in need.
FloWays Team:
Abigail Luking, Franklin County, Frankfort High School
Bryanna Grider, Casey County, Casey County High School
Zainab Haider, Oldham County, North Oldham High School
Monica Tanner, Jefferson County, Mercy Academy High School
Brylee Whitledge, Webster County, Webster County High School
Session Two winners, University of Kentucky Campus:
First Place: Voluntera – Improves the connection between nonprofit organizations and teenage volunteers, simplifying the coordination of volunteer opportunities.
Voluntera Team:
Karlee Mellenkamp, Mason County, Saint Patrick School
Yash Pathak Jefferson, County DuPont, Manual High School
Caden Samuels, Bullitt County, Bullitt Central High School
Benjamin Walker, Fayette County, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Sylvia Wessel, Kenton County, Beechwood High School
Second Place: Rebound – Reducing recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals by providing enhanced access to education and employment opportunities.
Rebound Team:
Ian Blackburn, Pike County, Pikeville High School
Kingston Dailey, Boone County, Covington Catholic High School
Brooks Wolfe, McCracken County, McCracken County High School
Sadie Young, Taylor County, Taylor County High School
Third Place: Urban Roots – Professional installation of green roofs and urban gardens, aimed at helping local businesses reduce energy costs and improve access to green spaces in urban areas.
Urban Roots Team:
Logan Fett, Fayette County, Lafayette High School
Aubrey Glass, Metcalfe County, Metcalfe County High School
Brenna Jackson, Franklin County, Western Hills High School
Brayden Johnson, Edmonson County, Edmonson County High School
Sophia Spier, Calloway County, Murray High School
To date, the release says more than 1,000 high school students have graduated from GSE’s Summer Startup program since it began in 2013.
To learn more, visit kentuckygse.com.
