Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship (GSE)

GSE 2026 Updates and Application

Have you ever noticed a problem and thought, “Someone should do something about that!”? That’s entrepreneurship – seeing opportunities, imagining what’s possible, and taking action. Join us for the GSE to explore, create, and challenge yourself in a fun, hands-on environment. You’ll learn to innovate and solve problems the same way that Intuit, Apple, AirBnB, and other world-leading companies do. Over 10 days, students will experience some of Huntington's most interesting attractions and find opportunities to help them innovate their way to even greater success.

GSE was established in 2016 to empower students to turn their ideas into reality and create lasting change. Redesigned as an intense 10-day experience for 2026, the program focuses on real-world problem-solving and the challenges of launching a startup. Students will collaborate with peers, learn from industry experts, and use cutting-edge tools to design and pitch creative solutions.

Participants will gain practical skills, build valuable networks with entrepreneurs, and experience the excitement of pitching ideas to investors. Whether you want to start a business, make a difference in your community, or explore your creative potential, GSE offers the perfect opportunity to shape your future. Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a leader and change maker.

Where

The 2026 Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship (GSE) will be hosted on Marshall University's campus.

When

The GSE will take place on Friday, July 17-Sunday, 26, 2026.

Download flyer

School and County Information

High schools and county boards of education play a vital role in recruiting and supporting 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-grade students during the GSE application window. Recruitment efforts should extend beyond school counselors to include other staff and faculty. The GSE is a unique opportunity for career and technical education (CTE) students to participate in the Governor’s Schools program. We encourage high schools to share information with all CTE instructors. 

Use the GSE flyer to promote the program in classrooms and to teachers who can inspire students to apply.

Note: Applications are due by Friday, March 13, 2026.

High School Responsibilities

• Inform all qualifying students of their eligibility. Speak with students about the merit of the GSE.
• Post the flyer in multiple areas of the school.
• Inform students of the application.
• The school counselor must print transcripts and first-semester student grades as required in the application.
• The school principal is required to sign a certification form. Please assist student applicants with this section of the application.
• The application requires two teacher recommendations. Please inform students to ask teachers for recommendations in a timely manner.

County Contact Responsibilities

• Share information from us with all high schools and CTE centers.
• Share the flyer with all high school principals and counselors to post and share with students and parents.

Apply Online

Thank you for your interest in the GSE at Marshall University. Please review the qualifications listed below before completing this part of the application.

The dates for the GSE are Friday, July 17-Sunday, 26, 2026.

This application and all the required components comprise the entire application process for GSE.

Required Qualifications

1. Must be a current high school student in West Virginia with plans to attend next school year.
2. Must be a West Virginia resident.
3. Must be a current 9th, 10, or 11th grade student at the time of application. You may attend multiple years, but priority will be given to first-time applicants.
4. Must have a grade-point average of at least 2.5
5. Must have a recommendation from the school principal (include in your application).
6. Must have a recommendation from two teachers (within the application)
7. Must satisfy all immunization requirements according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Non-public school and homeschooled students must provide proof of immunizations.

2026 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurship Student Application

Apply online for the 2026 GSE Program

Parent Information

Drop Off and Pickup

Please be advised, parents are required to drop off students on July 17 and pick up students on July 26 at Marshall University in Huntington. 

Handbook and Itinerary

The 2025 GSE Handbook is available for students and parents to review to familiarize families to the general expectations of the program. The 2026 handbook will be posted in the spring. 

We maintain a Facebook page to showcase students during each school. Please visit the page to view all the exciting activities going on throughout the summer. 

You may also view a short video and student testimonies of GSE on the Marshall University website.

Jobs

Faculty

The GSE deans, faculty, guest speakers, coaches, and judges are selected based on their expertise and experience in academic, professional, and/or clinical settings, which provides a robust residential experience for GSE attendees.

Residential Staff

The GSE residential staff are selected based on their experiences with entrepreneurship and/or creativity and demonstrated competencies in leadership, mentorship, and responsibility.

For information on applications please contact 

• Dr. David Wiley, Dean
• Tricia Ball, Co-Dean