Emerge: Young Innovators Summit Empowers Over 120 Students

The day was dedicated to entrepreneurship and business education.

Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Hosted by Genesis: Pathways to Success, the inaugural Emerge: Young Innovators Summit brought together more than 120 high school students from across the region for a dynamic day dedicated to entrepreneurship and business education. Designed to empower young innovators, the summit provided a unique and enriching learning experience that set the stage for future success.

Students from Batesville High School, East Central High School, Jac-Cen-Del High School, Lawrenceburg High School, Oldenburg Academy, Rising Sun High School, and South Ripley High School participated in a variety of breakout sessions covering essential topics such as the legal aspects of business, financial planning, marketing strategies, creativity, professional communication, the value of mentorships, ethical use of Artificial Intelligence, and more. These breakout sessions gave students the opportunity to gain practical skills and insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship.

“The Emerge: Young Innovators Summit was a transformative event for high school students, bringing together experts from diverse industries to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of business leaders,” stated Cayden Pohlman, External Relations and Program Development Intern of Genesis: Pathways to Success. “With guest speakers from a variety of industries like the Newport Aquarium, Dale Carnegie Leadership Training, and the region's Economic Development Corporations, students had the opportunity to engage with professionals, gain valuable insights, and cultivate the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”

A highlight of the day was the Riverside Chat, featuring a diverse panel of professionals from various fields who shared experiences from their entrepreneurial journeys. Their stories provided students with valuable perspectives on the challenges and rewards of different career paths. Keynote Speaker, Chase Slepak, inspired the audience with his entrepreneurial career, motivating students to pursue their business aspirations with determination and resilience.

The summit experience was further enriched by additional opportunities throughout the day. Students were able to get free professional headshots taken by Katie Baker Sparks Photography, offering them a tool to convey confidence and professionalism in future networking and career opportunities. The D.I.C.E. (Dreams, Ingenuity, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship) Challenge booth, powered by Genesis: Pathways to Success, introduced students to a high school entrepreneurial competition where participants can pitch business ideas for a potential investment in their futures. The STARTedUP Foundation’s Innovate WithIN

program also encouraged students to adopt an "opportunities are everywhere" mindset, empowering the next generation of leaders to drive innovation within their communities and beyond.

Networking played a key role in the summit's success, as students had the chance to connect with peers from different schools, forming relationships that extend beyond the classroom. They also interacted with industry professionals and guest speakers who offered valuable insights into career paths and the world of business. These interactions highlighted the importance of building connections at an early age and the role of networking in personal and professional growth.

Special thanks to Ivy Tech Community College - Lawrenceburg Riverfront Campus for hosting the event, as well as to our sponsors and partners, including the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Oldenburg Academy, and Jason Walke, for turning this inspiring vision into a reality. The Emerge: Young Innovators Summit’s success is a testament to the enthusiasm of the students, the expertise of the speakers, and the generous support that made this impactful day possible.

Genesis is looking forward to the Emerge: Young Innovators Summit returning to Southeastern Indiana in 2025. To learn more about Emerge or if you have any questions, please contact Clarice Patterson by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or stopping by the office at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.