Entrepreneurship for the Public Good (EPG) at Berea College

EPG is a multi-year, interdisciplinary program in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Social Innovation. Students will be admitted through a competitive application process. Once accepted into the program, EPG Junior Associates complete a once-a-week 2-hour Spring semester course in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, leadership, and social innovation. The required course will prepare the cohort for the immersive, field-based EPG institute to take place during the 4-week May term. The institute includes extensive travel throughout the region, meetings with entrepreneurs and community leaders, and team-based and leadership experiences. Throughout the program, students will apply the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset to develop socially innovative solutions to the region’s most pressing problems. Historically, the program has utilized an Asset Based Community Economic Development framework, focusing on opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia such as adventure tourism that capitalize on the natural beauty of the region. To become EPG fellows, Associates are required to complete an approved internship. Fellows are additionally eligible for professional development and travel funding. Fellows often organize trips to entrepreneurship conferences. Fellows that wish to return to the program the following year will achieve the status of EPG Senior Fellows, and will participate in planning and leading and the institute.