WV Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship

GSE check-in begins on Friday, July 17 at 8:00am (eat breakfast before you arrive!) and check-out ends Sunday, July 26 at 5:00pm.

The GSE experience is focused on learning by doing. You will spend most of your time each day actively engaged in the creative work of innovation – generating, testing, refining, and preparing to share your big idea on the main stage at the Closing Banquet on the final night of GSE. Along the way you’ll have interactive question and answer sessions with inspiring guest speakers, learn to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to bring your ideas to life, and try your hand at 3D printing and other advanced technologies for prototyping and manufacturing products. And there’s plenty of time set aside for good food, good friends, and some of the region’s best recreational activities.

• Meet and visit with Marshall University President Brad D. Smith
  • Former CEO of Intuit
  • Current / recent member of the Board of Directors at Amazon, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Nordstrom
• Experience the challenge of identifying business opportunities and launching a business
• Meet and interact with business professionals from around the region
• Forge life-long friendships
• Improve your communication skills
• Learn to work as part of an effective team
• Go on amazing learning and recreational outings, including to:
  • Malibu Jack’s
  • Blenko Glass Company
  • Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center and MakerVault

What You Can Expect

WV Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship (GSE) in 2026 is a 10-day experience at Marshall University designed to help you explore your entrepreneurial potential in a fun, hands-on environment. You’ll dive into interactive discussions, creative assignments, and other hands-on activities that build skills you can use now — and in the future:

• Learn to identify business opportunities and develop innovative solutions.
• Gain practical skills through team projects, workshops, and mentorship from local entrepreneurs and experts.
• Go on exciting learning and recreational outings like Blenko Glassworks

What We Expect

GSE works best when students are actively engaged and willing to give their best effort. By showing your commitment, you’ll:

• Unlock your potential and let faculty and mentors guide your growth.
• Collaborate effectively with peers to tackle challenges and pitch ideas.
• Gain the most from every activity, from workshops to excursions.

Bring your energy, curiosity, and creativity, and GSE will give you the experience, skills, and connections to take your ideas further than ever.

To help prepare you for GSE, we have created a packing checklist that covers everything you need as well as what items are prohibited.

Check-In is from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, July 17 at Marshall University.

Check-Out is from 3:00pm – 5:00pm on Sunday, July 26th.

Please complete the online form indicating your departure time. That will allow the Residence Team to organize and efficiently check students out that morning.

Behavior and Conduct

• GSE identification badges must be worn at all times.
• In the event of a fire alarm, students must exit the building immediately and gather at the designated meeting area for roll call.
• Business casual attire is required for the Closing Ceremony.
• GSE t-shirts should be worn on designated days or field trips, as instructed.
• Clothing with offensive language or imagery is not permitted.
• Students must wear appropriate attire during all program activities, including field trips and meals.
• Sexual activity or public displays of affection (PDA) between students is strictly prohibited.
• Theft, vandalism, tampering with fire or safety equipment, and possession of weapons, firecrackers, drugs, or alcohol will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
• GSE has a zero tolerance policy of any and all kinds of harassment. Harassment includes any action or behavior that mocks, demeans, puts down, disparages, or ridicules another person or group. Bullying of all kinds is considered a form of harassment. Sexual harassment is any sort of discrimination, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• If you are a victim of harassment, please report to your immediate RA or any other RA, or the RD. In these situations, you should report to whomever you are most comfortable speaking to. Together you can discuss the incident and create a plan to address the issue at hand.

Self Care and Wellness

During GSE, there will be ample opportunities for participants to engage in physical activity. Participants will have an opportunity to visit the Marshall Recreation Center in the mornings, if they choose to do so. They will also have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities and the Rec Center in the evening. This is dependent on the time and weather. There will be other activities such as board games, Just Dance, Mario Kart, and movie nights depending on the evening.