EPG IS
More than “a summer program”
WHAT IS IT?
EPG is a competitive, year-long curricular and co-curricular experience designed to cultivate
innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Admission is selective, with applications
and interviews held each Fall.
THE COMPONENTS
fundamentals — emphasizing self-assessment, professional growth, and a strong cohort identity.
Students engage with community leaders, build teams, and practice the Cycle of Abilities.
faculty support.
Those demonstrating mastery of the Cycle of Abilities earn the distinction of EPG Fellow.
EPG students traveled to Tennessee and visited the Spark CleanTech Accelerator at the
University of Tennessee–Knoxville, Brickyard Tech Incubator, and Food Inc. Kitchen
Incubator in Chattanooga, and participated in the CO.Starters Bootcamp with the
University of Tennessee–Chattanooga.
Students explored Roanoke, Virginia — touring the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail,
attending the Richmond Fed Rural Development Conference, and biking the Creeper Trail
from Abingdon to Damascus before attending a performance of Thurgood at the Barter Theater.
In Lexington, KY, students learned about DV8 Kitchen, West Sixth Brewing, FoodChain, and
BrokeSpoke Bike Shop, ending the trip with an underground kayaking adventure at
Red River Gorge.
Students also explored Eastern Kentucky — visiting the Starfire Solar Site, Pine Mountain
Settlement School, Portal 31 Coal Mine, and Appalshop while meeting local entrepreneurs
and learning their stories.