Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program

The Woltemade Center for Economics, Business, and Entrepreneurship at Ohio Wesleyan University offers the interdisciplinary Carol Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program for students seeking to become the next generation of business trailblazers.

The Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program (LESP) will allow a select group of students from across campus disciplines to explore entrepreneurship at their own pace, accommodating each student's knowledge and experience in the field of entrepreneurship.  Students will benefit from this program by participating in academic activities outside of the traditional classroom, self-study development, professional growth activities funded by the endowed program, and personally creating an entrepreneurial business plan.

The Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program (LESP):

  • Engages students from all majors, disciplines, and backgrounds across campus.
  • Is Interdisciplinary by design.
  • Is a one year program for any OWU student.

LESP Students will:

  • Participate in a special seminar class (INT 200.7) covering topics ranging from problem-solving to critical thinking/strategic thinking/vision. (fall semester, .25 unit)
  • Attend Entrepreneurial Guest Speakers, Lecture Events, as well as monthly meetings which will be lead by the Faculty Coordinator, the Woltemade Center, or approved visitor.
  • Attend a campus or local DEI workshop or event per semester during their time as Latham Scholars.
  • Travel to incubators, innovation centers, and have direct interaction with successful entrepreneurs.
  • Participate in the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac Program (online self-study program) to develop their own business or non-profit idea into a viable business plan.
  • Engage with an OWU entrepreneurial alumni in a mentoring relationship (spring semester) focused on developing their entrepreneurial business plan and building important professional skills.
  • Students can apply to receive a $500 Stipend for either participating in a spring/summer internship/experience or to fund an approved business venture startup. 

Application Process:

  • The Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program is open to OWU students who have achieved an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.

  • Candidates will interview with at least one LESP committee member. 

  • Complete the application form by clicking HERE
  • Submit a request for an internship or startup stipend (after acceptance into the program) by clicking HERE

The Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program is being created with a gift of time, talent, and treasure from OWU alumna Carol Latham, Class of 1961. A chemistry major at Ohio Wesleyan, Latham is the retired founder, president, and CEO of Thermagon, Inc., a custom manufacturer of high performance heat-transfer materials for electronic components. Under her leadership, Thermagon grew to sales of $18 million annually worldwide.

For more information please contact the Latham Entrepreneurial Scholars Program Faculty Coordinator Prof. Glenn Bryan.