Governor’s Scholars programs provide outlets for ambitious students

School is generalized to give students a strong base of educational knowledge. One way for students to get more specified information based on their interests, they can apply for a summer program with the goal of growing their knowledge on a desired field. There are many renowned summer programs for Kentucky students. The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE), Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA), and the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) are three options that appeal to a wide variety of students. These programs all offer students experience with their chosen interest and expand their possibilities for scholarships.

GSE

This program focuses on students interested in business and creating products. It is for teens who have creative ideas and want to build experience in the business world. The goal of this program is to teach students skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and business skills. The application process for GSE is much different than its counterparts; this program focuses more on the creativity of the candidate rather than their academics.

An application requires a video from the applicant explaining their idea they would like to explore during the program and why they want to be a part of GSE. A team of students can also apply together under one idea. These ideas can fall under the technological field, business models or a service or product as well as many other fields.

The program gives students exposure to experts in different fields. Entrepreneurs, investors and a Pitch Coach all help to give students an expanded knowledge in the business world.

GSE is opened to 9th, 10th and 11th graders. The program takes place Jun 25-Jul 15 2017 and the application is due Jan 4th 2017. For more information, go to www.kentuckygse.com.

GSA

The Governor’s School for the Arts helps to develop aspiring artists skill along with giving them exposure to experts in their field. The program does not just focus on visual arts, but also creative writing, singing and drama. Each of the offered art forms has its own curriculum focusing on the skill.

“The students are learning from master teachers in those areas,” HC counselor April Cain said. “For some students that want to pursue that later in life, they learn more about it.”

For GSA, application is different based on the art form that the student choses. Most require a submission of the applicant’s previous work. The program diverges from its counterparts GSE and GSP, as it focuses more on students’ artistic abilities. The summer program is held on a college campus and promotes students to meet new people within the program. To help students prepare for the three week program, GSA also offers ArtShops. These are held around Kentucky in the fall, open to interested 9th, 10th and 11th graders, and are only a day long. Students are given hands-on experience, and parents are provided with information about GSA.

GSA is open to 10th and 11th graders. The summer program takes place Jun 19, 2017- Jul 8, 2017. For reminders and updates about GSA, sign up for the HC Remind (Text @hcgsp to 81010). For future ArtShop dates and other important dates, reference http://www.kentuckycenter.org/education-community-arts/gsa/important-dates. The application deadline is Jan 15, 2017.

GSP

The Governor’s Scholars Program is an intensive learning experience for future leaders. Students selected usually have extensive academic success. GSP is working to prepare the best and the brightest for the future.

“The Program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders.” (According to gsp.ky.gov)

This is why the application process is so intensive. The process for this program differs from GSA and GSE, as it focuses heavily on academics and activity for both their school and community. The application requires either a PSAT, SAT or ACT score within the last three years. A background on students is developed based on both recommendations from teachers, counselors and community leaders. All of the students information is scored, which determines their eligibility for the GSP.

Students stay on a college campus and the program promotes students to be socially active with other members of GSP. The program gives students experience by exposing them to college classes, seminars and field trips. All of these combine to help students for future leadership roles.

Applications for the program are Dec 4 2016 due for juniors. To get reminders on this program and important dates, sign up for HC remind (Text @hcgsp to 81010). For more information on GSP go to gsp.ky.gov or the HC counselors office.