Author Archives: Peaches Avre

Kicking off BestPrep’s 50th Anniversary at the 2026 Educational Forum

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 […]


Bringing Real-World Learning into the Classroom

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 […]


ECMC Group Invests in Students’ Futures

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: Empowering Leadership Through Minnesota Business Venture

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 […]


Ameriprise Financial: A Legacy of Financial Education and Service

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 […]


Highland Park Senior High: Preparing Students for the Future with BestPrep 

Highland Park Senior High School has been an engaged and enthusiastic partner of BestPrep since 2002, giving students meaningful opportunities to build real-world skills and explore their futures. Through this long-standing partnership, Highland Park has become a model for how schools can integrate career and college readiness into the classroom in engaging and impactful ways. […]


Securian Financial: A Steadfast Partner in Empowering Minnesota Youth

For nearly 40 years, Securian Financial has been a committed and significant partner of BestPrep, supporting the organization through generous financial contributions, dedicated volunteerism, and board leadership. Their longstanding partnership has helped thousands of Minnesota students gain valuable skills in business, career readiness, and financial literacy. Securian’s involvement spans decades and includes distinguished board service. […]


Leading with Purpose: Folake Olusesi’s MBV Experience

[Folake Olusesi (second from the left) with her co-CEO and RBLs.] Folake Olusesi, a senior at Robbinsdale Cooper High School, volunteered as one of Minnesota Business Venture’s (MBV) student CEOs at camp this past summer.  CEOs are student leaders who return to MBV to lead small teams of campers, called “companies,” as they develop a […]