The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup Team Application

The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) hires annually for our Summer Startup program. We search for a diverse group of passionate people who care about what they do. GSE team members have the opportunity to observe and learn from the speakers and materials presented throughout the program. GSE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.

If you haven’t already, please review all summer team job descriptions before applying. You can find them here: https://kentuckygse.com/about/join-our-team/. Please contact the GSE Leadership Team with any questions at [email protected].

Before completing this application, review all information below and then check the box to acknowledge you understand the following information:

About the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs:

The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) identifies, inspires, and empowers Kentucky’s future innovators and business leaders. Our three-week Summer Startup program immerses high school students in a fast-paced entrepreneurial experience, from selecting a startup idea, to creating a prototype, to pitching their business plan. Since 2013 we have impacted the lives of more than 1,000 high school students. Summer Startup participants are eligible for millions of dollars in college scholarships. Our Collegiate Pitch program is Kentucky’s largest collegiate pitch competition and provides access to thousands of dollars in funding. GSE’s newest initiative is our growing alumni program. We are an independent, non-profit 501c3. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our cohorts. Our alums have launched more than 70 businesses and filed for multiple patents. We have reached a powerful stage of growth in GSE’s evolution as we start our second decade of fostering creative and collaborative learning, along with economic development. We aim to serve the entire state of Kentucky through our programming.

GSE Staff Information

GSE Summer Team Hiring Timeline:

The GSE Summer Team application is currently open. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

2026 Summer Team Positions Available:

2 Counselor-in-Residence
4 Instructional Coaches
2 Resident Directors
1 Head Residential Advisor
11 Residential Advisors
1 Team Director
1 Head Team Leader
7 Team Leaders
2 Digital Storytellers

Location:

University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)

Employment Dates:

June 14 - July 12, 2026 (Includes mandatory training June 14 - June 18, 2025)

Pay:

All summer team positions are temporary, full-time roles. Each summer team member is expected to work no less than 40 and up to 60 hours a week. All summer team members are provided room and meals. GSE summer team positions can qualify as an internship. See the pay rates below:

Residental Advisor - $15/hour
Head Residental Advisor - $16/hour
Resident Director - $18/hour
Team Leader - $17/hour
Head Team Leader - $18/hour
Digital Storyteller - $17/hour
Pay for all non-hourly positions is outlined in each job description: https://kentuckygse.com/about/join-our-team/.

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Name

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Pronouns

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Year of High School Graduation(Required)

Have you previously applied for a GSE summer team position?(Required)

Yes

If yes, indicate what position and year you worked for GSE.(Required)

Are you an alum of GSE?(Required)

Yes

If yes, indicate the year you attended GSE.(Required)

Upload your resume here, including the contact information for two references.(Required)

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Which position are you MOST interested in?(Required)

Resident Advisor (at least one year of college or equivalent required to apply)

Team Leader (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Digital Storyteller (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Head Residential Advisor (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Head Team Leader (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Resident Director (at least three years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Team Director (at least four years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Instructional Coach (at least four years of college or equivalent experience required to apply)

If you are also interested in other positions (in addition to the position selected in the previous question), please indicate which one(s):

Resident Advisor (at least one year of college or equivalent required to apply)

Team Leader (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Digital Storyteller (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Head Team Leader (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Head Resident Advisor (at least two years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Resident Director (at least three years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Team Director (at least four years of college or equivalent required to apply)

Instructional Coach (at least four years of college or equivalent experience required to apply)

Please either create and upload a 90-second video pitching your skillset and talents as a member of the GSE summer team – or provide a written response – using the questions below as a guide for your video or written answer.*(Required)

a. What skillset(s) do you have that make you uniquely qualified for the position(s) you are most interested in? b. What does effective group communication look like to you AND how do you contribute to it? c. Why are you interested in being a part of the GSE Summer Startup team? d. If applying for a leadership position (Resident Director/Team Director), please explain your leadership experience and give an example of a time you resolved interpersonal conflict between peers or those you have managed in the past.

If choosing to create a video, upload it here.

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Please respond to the following short answer questions: (100-word limit)(Required)

What is one thing you anticipate may be a challenge for you while serving on GSE’s Summer Startup Team? Be specific. b. In ONE sentence, describe your goal for serving on GSE’s Summer Staff. (what you want to accomplish by being on staff).

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?(Required)

Yes

If yes, please explain.

List any conflicts you are aware of during the GSE Summer Startup program and mandatory training week (June 16 - July 13).(Required)

Ex: study abroad dates, planned vacations, etc. If you have no known conflicts, type N/A.

Indicate any other summer employment/opportunities you are pursuing AND the month you can expect to receive offers. If you are pursuing no other summer employment, type N/A.(Required)

The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history.(Required)

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