Five Missouri University of Science and Technology students have been selected for the inaugural class of the University of Missouri System Entrepreneurial Scholars and Interns Program. A total of 15 students from the four UM System campuses were selected.

Beginning in the spring semester, students take approved entrepreneurial-related courses and then participate in a 10-week, paid summer internship. This exclusive program gives students a strong academic foundation in entrepreneurship as well as the opportunity to learn from a mentor or work within a startup company.

“Entrepreneurial experiences for students, at such a young age, is huge for the state,” University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe says. “By creating this culture on our campuses – one that encourages innovation – we will produce well-educated entrepreneurs that will power Missouri’s 21st Century economy.”

The goal of the program is to create a steady stream of entrepreneurs around the state capable of taking their cutting-edge ideas to the market as new business ventures. Creating this new wave of well-educated entrepreneurs in Missouri will benefit the local, regional and national economies.

“Increasing research and economic development activity is integral to our strategic plan,” says Hank Foley, UM System executive vice president for academic affairs, research and economic development. “This opportunity for our students to collaborate with a like-minded cohort will be an engine for the state’s vitality in the coming years.”

The program introduces students from different degree programs on each of the four system campuses to entrepreneurial principles and practices and creates a network of connections centered on entrepreneurship. The application process was open to all undergraduate students on all four campuses. In total, 38 applications were received from disciplines ranging from journalism, environmental engineering, nursing and graphic design.

The following students from Missouri S&T were selected:

— Josh Jetter, a senior in computer science and computer engineering from El Dorado Hills, California

— Erik O’Riley, a senior in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering from Blue Springs, Missouri

— Mary Puleo, a senior in environmental engineering from St. Louis

— Nick Rollins, a senior in information science and technology from Waynesville, Missouri

— Aaron Vonderhaar, a senior in mechanical engineering from St. Louis.

More information about the program is available online at www.umsystem.edu/esip.