As a former Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) student camper, two-time CEO, Operations Associate, and a panelist at the 2025 Educational Forum, Vihaan Shah is certainly no stranger to BestPrep. Vihaan is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California studying Business Administration (Finance) with a minor in AI Applications, but before he got to […]
After years of dedication and service, Barb Kuntz, former Cargill employee, celebrated retirement in a truly meaningful way — by directing her retirement party contributions to BestPrep! Her decision reflects not only a legacy of professional achievement, but also a deep commitment to giving back and making a lasting difference, one she wanted to emphasize as she retired. Barb has been heavily […]
Old National Bank (ONB) has been a committed partner of BestPrep, playing an active role in preparing Minnesota students for future success. Since 2018, ONB employees have generously volunteered their time and expertise across multiple BestPrep programs, helping students build confidence, career awareness, and professional skills. One of ONB’s most impactful contributions has been its involvement in eMentors, connecting employees with students in meaningful, one-on-one […]
BestPrep’s 2026 Educational Forum was a huge success! Nearly 700 guests joined us at the event on February 11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Guests gave tremendous feedback on John Hope Bryant’s keynote, praising his authenticity, knowledge, and passion for financial freedom and economic opportunity. We were excited to hear that John was equally as moved with our event! Read about John’s experience […]
Abigail (Abby) Lugo, a Business Education Teacher at St. Louis Park Senior High School, integrates BestPrep’s career-focused programs into her classroom to help students connect lessons to future opportunities, making learning both relevant and engaging. A key component of Abby’s classroom is BestPrep’s eMentors program. Through one-on-one connections with professionals, students gain valuable guidance and insight into a variety of career paths. Abby […]
BestPrep is proud to partner with ECMC Group, whose commitment to student success brings our mission to life. Through this partnership, ECMC Group connects directly with students — serving as mentors, sharing career insights, and building financial confidence. Since 2017, ECMC Group volunteers have participated each year in BestPrep’s eMentors program, guiding high school students […]
Gabriella Watson, a student from Blaine High School, first attended Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) to strengthen her public speaking and leadership skills. Encouraged by her mother, a professor at the University of St. Thomas, Gabriella viewed the program as an opportunity to contribute her ideas and connect with like-minded people. Her initial experience at MBV […]
For more than four decades, Ameriprise Financial has been a dedicated supporter of BestPrep’s mission to help students become financially capable and career ready. The partnership began back in 1981, when Doug Lennox, a financial advisor, spoke at BestPrep’s newly-established business camp, Minnesota Business Venture. His presentation, “You Can Be a Millionaire,” encouraged students to […]
