LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University's Center for Entrepreneurship held its first summer camp earlier this month, according to a post on the university's blog. The camp brought together two dozen Fayette County high school students for a full day of experiential learning.

The camp represents the latest expansion of the Center for Entrepreneurship, which aims to develop entrepreneurial thinking and career skills across students of any academic major. The center is led by director Kaelyn Query Caldwell, an award-winning Lexington-based entrepreneur.

"The Center for Entrepreneurship encourages entrepreneurial thinking and career development for students in any academic major by providing hands-on, real-life experiential learning opportunities," according to the center's mission statement. The program focuses on helping students pursue their passions, promote creativity and innovation, and explore entrepreneurial career paths.

The inaugural high school camp aligns with the center's broader community engagement strategy. Transylvania has previously partnered with other local institutions on educational initiatives, including the 250LEX Entrepreneurial Showdown, which brought together students from Fayette County Public Schools, the University of Kentucky and local colleges for "Shark Tank"-style pitch competitions.

The center is housed in the newly renovated Sanders-Siebers Entrepreneurship Hub, located within the university's Warren W. Rosenthal Complex. The facility supports student entrepreneurial activities, meetings and programs through mentorship, networking opportunities and business education workshops.

Lexington's standing as one of the top 10 cities in the country for entrepreneurs makes the region an ideal setting for such educational programs, giving students direct access to business leaders and potential mentors in the local ecosystem.