Young Innovators Summit Ignites Future Careers for 130 Local High School Students

Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted the event at the Lawrenceburg Event Center.

Photo provided.

(Southeast Indiana) - Hosted by Genesis: Pathways to Success, the Emerge: Young Innovators Summit brought together over 130 high school students from across the region for an exciting day dedicated to business education and entrepreneurship.

From a total of nine schools, students from Batesville High School, East Central High School, Greensburg High School, Jac-Cen-Del High School, Lawrenceburg High School, Milan High School, Oldenburg Academy, Rising Sun High School, and South Ripley High School participated in a variety of breakout sessions that covered essential topics such as leveraging marketing for business growth, communication etiquette for building relationships, proven fundamentals for effective selling, and the similarities and differences between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. These breakout sessions provided students with the opportunity to gain insight and practical skills into various aspects of business and entrepreneurship.

“Watching students discover what excites them—and realizing they have the power to shape their own futures—is exactly why we host Emerge. This summit brings together our region’s bright young minds with the professionals who are building southeastern Indiana’s future, creating a space where ideas and opportunities meet. When students see that innovation begins with curiosity, they gain the confidence to explore new possibilities, become stronger problem solvers, and take the first steps toward becoming the leaders and entrepreneurs who will help strengthen our region for years to come,” shared Lori Rennekamp, Entrepreneurial Program Coordinator for Genesis: Pathways to Success.

A highlight from the day was the Riverside Chat, featuring a diverse panel of the region’s Economic Development Directors. Their stories provided students with valuable perspectives on the challenges and rewards of different career paths. Keynote Speaker, Don Wettrick, Founder and CEO of The STARTedUP Foundation, inspired the audience with his entrepreneurial career, motivating students to start identifying opportunities hidden in everyday frustrations and turn their ideas into impact.

The summit experience was further enriched by additional opportunities throughout the day. Students were able to get free professional headshots taken by Waltz 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. Other booths in attendance were HRNavs, Ivy Tech Community College, One Dearborn, Right to Start, The Friendship State Bank, The STARTedUP Foundation, and the Indiana Small Business Development Center.

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.

Emerge: Young Innovators Summit was developed to inspire and equip the next generation of problem solvers in Southeastern Indiana. Designed with a focus on innovation and community impact, the program helps high school students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while connecting them with the vast resources, tools, and opportunities available in their own region. By fostering these connections, Emerge aims to combat the rural “brain drain” and demonstrate that students don’t have to leave home to build successful, fulfilling futures. The initiative empowers young people to envision—and create—positive change right here in Southeastern Indiana.

“Emerge is all about empowering students to take ownership of their futures,” said Jason Walke, Director of Academic Innovation of Oldenburg Academy. “Our goal is to help young people see that opportunity is everywhere; if they’re willing to think differently and act boldly.”

Special thanks to the Lawrenceburg Event Center for hosting the event. Genesis would also like to thank our Title Sponsors: Ripley County Community Foundation & Ohio County Community Foundation; Enterprise Leader Sponsor: The Joan and John Hillenbrand VISION Fund For Innovation; Change Maker Sponsor: City of Batesville (Batesville Economic Development Commission); Growth Catalyst Sponsors: The Village Dentist (Thomas Konnersman, D.D.S) and One Dearborn; and Foundation Builder Sponsors: Ripley County Economic Development Corporation and the Economic Development Corporation of Greensburg/Decatur County. Furthermore, the Emerge Summit wouldn’t be possible without guidance from the planning committee: Jason Walke of Oldenburg Academy and Zane White of Lawrenceburg High School. 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.