Nicole Gonzales of Greenleaf Attends High School Summer Institute Hosted by K-State College of Business Administration

Nicole Gonzalez of Greenleaf received an inside look at what it's like to be K-State business students at the 2023 High School Summer Institute, put on by the Center for Principled Business in Kansas State University's College of Business Administration.

Gonzalez was also one of 30 students who won scholarships. 

During the institute sessions in June and July, 71 students from seven states across the region engaged in hands-on activities hosted by K-State faculty members, student mentors and staff representatives from across the college.

The institute's curriculum focused on concepts such as the role of business in society, the importance of free markets, value creation, entrepreneurship and innovation.  Each discipline of study offered by the College of Business Administration was also showcased to students.

On the final day of each session, participants competed for K-State business scholarships by applying their knowledge through an entrepreneurial pitch challenge.  Thirty students from the top-placing teams were awarded scholarships ranging from $500-$1,000 provided by generous donors, including the lead corporate partner, Koch Industries.

"Last summer, we filled to capacity within a few hours of opening enrollment.  This overwhelming response led us to offer two sessions in 2023, and we filled both sessions to capacity again," said Marcia Hornung, Director of the Center for Principled Business.  "This speaks to high school students' desire for experiential learning as part of their college decision-making process."