Author Archives: Peaches Avre

Leadership Transition is Underway at BestPrep

We have some very important news to share about a leadership transition that’s underway at BestPrep. Our founder and CEO, Bob Kaitz, will retire in the summer of 2025 after nearly 50 years of guiding and growing this organization. We’re committed to a smooth and planful transition that ensures our continued meaningful impact on Minnesota students […]


Cargill – Celebrating 50 Years of Supporting Youth

When the headmaster of Breck School had the opportunity to fly to Washington DC with the CEO of Cargill, Whitney MacMillan, he said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to discuss a new educational program Breck was developing. By the time the plane landed, they had agreed on a vision that went beyond standard classroom […]


Shaping Futures with BestPrep’s Impactful Programs

Andrea Kemink, an AVID teacher at Brooklyn Center Secondary, has been involved with BestPrep for 13 years! She’s incorporated  Financial Matters and Classroom Plus into her curriculum, witnessing the transformative impact on students.  Reflecting on BestPrep’s programs, Andrea states that one of the most lasting benefits is how “students gain valuable information about real-world concepts […]


BestPrep Celebrates 25-Years with Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and WCCO Radio 

For more than 25 years, BestPrep has had a wonderful partnership with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and WCCO Radio, both have been instrumental in promoting BestPrep’s programs and events.  BestPrep’s relationship with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal began in 2000 when the publisher took a personal interest in the organization’s mission. Since then, they have […]


BestPrep Hits a Homerun with the Minnesota Twins

For more than twenty-five years, the Minnesota Twins have partnered with BestPrep to prepare students to be career focused and financially capable. Presentations from President Dave St. Peter, Hall of Famers Dave Winfeld and Tony Oliva at BestPrep’s Annual Luncheon to Tommy Watkins speaking at BestPrep’s Cloud Coach and Minnesota Business Venture, students and teachers […]


Ava Meinders – New Experiences

Ava Meinders from Woodbury attended Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) after hearing about it from a friend.  She knew walking in that she’d gain a better understanding about business, but little did she know that she’d walk away feeling inspired to pursue business at Marquette University, where she currently majors in both marketing and human resources. […]


Charles Schwab: BestPrep’s Featured Partner

Charles Schwab founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation became a pioneer in the discount brokerage business in 1975. Today, Charles Schwab is the nation’s largest publicly traded investment services firm. Not only is the company’s name a staple in the field of investing, but they also have a strong philanthropic commitment to financial […]


Classroom Plus and Financial Matters Programs Are Accepting Requests for Speakers!

Classroom Plus offers a unique opportunity for business professionals and teachers to work together to educate Minnesota middle and high school students on topics such as career options, building a resume, interviewing, and business etiquette. Request a Classroom Plus speaker for your classroom today! (link – Classroom Plus Speaker Request) Financial Matters equips Minnesota students […]