Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy to return to Penn State Berks

High school students who hope to own their own business will again have a chance to dive into entrepreneurship this summer as the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy returns to Penn State Berks.

The six-week program, started in 2022, allows 11th and 12th grade students to learn directly from local business owners through classroom instruction and internships in the professional field.

Students in the program will learn the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur — how to analyze the market and competition, create a business plan, develop, and execute a marketing plan, hire staff, manage a sales team, create a culture and more, according to a press release from the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy.

The program is organized by the Small Business Resource Association in collaboration with Career Ready Berks.

“This interactive curriculum delivers a unique combination of educational workshops along with an internship experience for greater guidance to career decision making beyond the choices of college, trade school or entering the workforce after graduation,” said Gary Seibert, chief executive officer of the Small Business Resource Association. “We aim to reverse statistics that show local counties have some of the lowest business birth rates compared to the state and the entire nation.”

The Academy will run for six weeks at the Penn State Berks campus, with three weeks spent in classroom workshops, and three weeks of onsite internships with local business owners.

Classes begin June 17 and run until August 2, with a week off for Independence Day.

The program culminates in a Shark Tank presentation, along with an expo and gala.

Students and business owners alike praised the Academy during its initial run in 2022, noting that it offered a wealth of practical experience that some felt was lacking in a traditional classroom setting.

Last year’s program saw 33 students take part.

Demand for the Academy appears to be abundant among students, as 60% of teenagers are more interested in starting a business than working a traditional job, according to a March 1 survey by Junior Achievement USA, which posed the question to 1,000 teens aged 13 to 17.

Tuition this year is $2,500 per student, but organizers said they hope to cover the cost for each student via sponsorships from local businesses.

Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor one or more students, organizers said, but business owners can also contribute by signing on as a presenter, an instructor, participating on a panel, or offering an internship.

The program will continue taking applications until May 31. Up to 40 students will be accepted.

Students in grades 11 and 12 looking to apply, and businesses interested in getting involved can find more information on the Academy’s website, www.eeainpa.org.