Student View of BestPrep’s eMentors Experience

Publish on March 27, 2026 Categories -

This winter, Rylee Wahlberg, a senior at Anoka High School, participated in BestPrep’s eMentors program with her DECA Internship class. Through eMentors, Rylee was matched up with a volunteer mentor from RBC Wealth Management. They exchanged weekly messages discussing school, career experience, interviewing, and much more. Rylee and her classmates also visited RBC to meet their mentors and see where they work. We got the chance to connect with Rylee and learn more about her experience with her mentor from RBC!

Tell us more about the class you’re participating in eMentors through.  

I am part of the DECA Internship. This class has two parts – a seminar and off–campus work. In our seminar so far, we have done things such as plan and execute a food drive for a local organization, bring in speakers to learn about different careers, make a budget and track our spending for a month, learn about managing money and stocks, creating a resume, and more. We are reading self-help books which can give us an edge in interviews, as well as creating and being active on LinkedIn! One of the biggest parts of our class is our district conference. We spend an entire month preparing for competitions such as interviews, roleplays, and various prepared events such as a start-up business plan to integrated marketing campaigns. Sending our mentor emails is also a big part of this class. Every Thursday, we get a new prompt and get to connect with our mentors. This gives us a great opportunity to not only learn about their career, but gain valuable insight on how to handle work-life balance and how they progressed through life professionally and personally.  

Where does your mentor work and what do they do?  

My mentor works for RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) and is a Senior Training and Development Consultant. She helps the financial advisors and their staff continue to grow and develop their skills so that they can continue to service their clients better. She has been in financial services for 15 years and had previously been developing different training solutions for various groups. Before I had taken part in the eMentors program, I had no idea what RBC was and didn’t know anything about the training and development field. I feel like school sets a lot of people up to go into very popular areas of work, such as nursing, finance, and engineering, but you never really hear about some of the jobs within those fields. When I think of finance, I go straight to an accountant and wouldn’t have thought about training and development. This program has definitely opened my eyes to more career options, other than just ones that people know of.  

What has been your favorite part about eMentors? 

My favorite part of the eMentors program has been our in-person Meet and Greet. I had a continuous conversation with my mentor and learned so much in such a condensed time period. Not to mention, connecting face to face with people is becoming more scarce, so having that in person connection is very valuable and important to me.  

What have you learned from eMentors?  

The biggest takeaway I have gotten from this experience is to trust the process. Life is not a straight line and it’s okay not to have the same career for 50 years. This is my second time participating in the program and on both occasions, my mentor went to school for something and is now doing something completely different. I feel as if life has taught us that you need to have a plan and that sticking to it is very important, and while I agree having a plan is essential, plans can change. I am going to school for engineering, but if down the road it’s not meant for me, I can be content. I know that I am not the only one who has decided to switch careers, so not sticking to the plan is absolutely okay.  

What is a specific moment that stands out in your eMentors experience? 

The in-person Meet and Greet and sharing my plans for after high school and current life updates with my mentor. I was able to share my future plans with her and get insight about how to navigate the transition between high school and college and learn about things to set me up for career success. I also feel comfortable enough to share things happening in my life with my mentor. For example, I just heard from my boss that I’ll be getting trained as a supervisor and got awarded a scholarship. Not only did I feel comfortable enough to share this with her, but I am also extremely happy that I did because of the support from my mentor! This program has found an amazing pool of mentors that I am grateful to work with!  

Why should other students participate in eMentors? 

I think other students should participate in the eMentors program because it’s a great opportunity to network with career professionals and a valuable way to gain knowledge about new careers, as well as helpful life tips. I’ve learned new ways to organize my schedule and discovered a new personal favorite, making time for myself. My mentor mentioned that she takes a little time each day, with minimal to no distractions, to give herself a break from the busyness of life. Not only am I gaining knowledge of the workforce, but knowledge of how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.  

Is there anything else you’d like to share?  

I had such an incredible experience with this program and my mentor. I want to extend a special thanks to my mentor because our conversations have been amazing. She is such a driven and accomplished individual who truly embodies a great person with an incredible life. She not only led an accomplished career, but can balance it with her personal life; reading 52 books a year, helping a local library, and navigating her children through college. She has been such an inspiration and our time together has been great! 

Wings Credit Union Empowers Students

Publish on March 27, 2026 Categories -

BestPrep is proud to partner with Wings Credit Union to help students build financial knowledge and career readiness. Wings employees support students across multiple BestPrep programs, volunteering as Financial Matters speakers, Classroom Plus mock interviewers, Minnesota Business Venture Resident Business Leaders and breakout speakers, and Educational Forum essay judges. Through these experiences, Wings volunteers share real-world insights that help students better understand money management and future career opportunities.

Recently, Wings reached a significant milestone with its merge with Ent Credit Union. The merger aims to expand resources, enhance technology and digital banking, and strengthen community investment while continuing to serve members across Minnesota. With greater combined resources, the organization is positioned to broaden its impact both financially and educationally.  

A key part of that impact is the Bite of Reality® simulation, an interactive financial education experience supported by the Wings Financial Foundation. In this hands-on experience, students are randomly assigned a career, monthly income, credit score, and family situation. Using Bite of Reality®, they navigate stations where they make real-world financial decisions such as housing, transportation, insurance, and daily expenses while managing unexpected costs. This immersive experience helps students understand financial trade-offs, build budgeting skills, and gain confidence in making informed financial decisions.  

[Student participating in Wings Credit Union’s Bite of Reality® simulation. Photo credit: Sergio Meyer.]

“Our partnership with BestPrep helps Wings Credit Union fulfill our mission to bring financial education into classrooms. Through the volunteer engagement opportunities that BestPrep provides, Wings employees are proud to help Minnesota students find empowerment in their lives,” Jared Little, Education Specialist at Wings Credit Union and a BestPrep Emerging Leaders Alliance (BELA) member.  

BestPrep is grateful for Wings Credit Union’s partnership and dedication to empowering students. With new board member Andrea Hanlon joining leadership, Wings’ commitment to financial education remains stronger than ever. 

 

Vihaan Shah: Leading with Intention

Publish on February 26, 2026 Categories -

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 where he is today, he credits BestPrep with opening the door to future career possibilities and expanding his skillset. He shares, “BestPrep was my first real exposure to business and professional environments. As a camper at Minnesota Business Venture (MBV), I learned how to build solutions and defend those ideas in high-stakes settings. That experience taught me how to think on my feet and communicate decisions effectively.”

[Vihaan Shah with his company as a CEO in 2023 (left) and 2024 (right).]

Last summer marked Vihaan’s fourth year at MBV. After attending camp as a Edina High School student, he returned two more times as a CEO, then again last year as an Operations Associate. “Coming back to MBV in student staff roles pushed [my] growth even further by placing responsibility on me to support others and lead with intention . . . I wanted to give students the same mentorship and support I had received and pay that forward. Each time, I got to witness a group of students who did not know each other and were often nervous to speak up become more confident over the course of the week, and that experience is what motivated me to keep coming back.”

Additionally, Vihaan was a panelist at the 2025 Educational Forum, sitting alongside Vineeta Sawkar from WCCO Radio, Caitlin Race from 3M, Tracy Byrd from Washburn High School (2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year), and keynote speaker R. David Edelman. The panel discussed the uses of AI and its impact on students, schools, and businesses.

[Vihaan Shah (middle) speaking on the panel at the 2025 Educational Forum.]

“After spending years with BestPrep, being on stage and being trusted to represent the student perspective on AI honestly felt full circle,” he says. “What stood out most was being able to have an open conversation alongside educators and industry leaders and contribute to a discussion that directly affects how students learn and interact with technology. It reinforced how powerful these conversations can be and how grateful I am to be part of a community that values student voices.”

When asked about his future plans, Vihaan says, “After college, I’m planning to start my career in investment banking and continue into high finance on the buy side, ideally staying on the West Coast so I can be close to the AI and tech ecosystem. Long term, I want to be at the intersection of finance and technology, working around innovative companies and ideas as that space continues to grow.”

Lastly, Vihaan left us with some reassuring words of advice for any students who may be unsure of what they want to do after high school: “Don’t worry about having everything figured out. The best thing you can do is explore a few things that genuinely interest you and commit to them seriously . . . Over time, exploring with intention helps you narrow in on one or two paths that are worth going all in on.”

Barb Kuntz: Celebrating a Career, Investing in the Future

Publish on February 25, 2026 Categories -

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 involved with BestPrep’s Cloud Coach and eMentors programs since 2018, creating one-on-one connections with students from schools like Washburn and Robbinsdale Cooper High School. These moments were especially meaningful to Barb, sharing, “I loved reading the students’ interesting and engaging messages. They cared about the program and me. Many times, I smiled or laughed at their messages since it grounded me from all my work and emails. Meeting the students in person and seeing their energy was also a highlight.” Another meaningful memory she holds is sharing her passion for BestPrep with her daughter. After Barb invited her to attend the Educational Forum event, her daughter became an eMentor that same year! 

To Barb, giving back means paying it forward, standing firm on the notion that we each have a role in making our community better. She believes BestPrep plays its part by helping the next generation, giving her hope that the world will be a better place because of these students. 

BestPrep is deeply grateful for Barb’s generosity and the inspiring example she’s set. Her choice reminds us that retirement isn’t just the closing of one chapter, but the beginning of another, one that continues to uplift and strengthen our community.  

On behalf of everyone at BestPrep, we thank Barb for her dedication, compassion, and belief in our mission. 

Old National Bank: Commitment to Students’ Growth

Publish on February 25, 2026 Categories -

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 mentoring relationships. The most recent mentor connection took place with Coon Rapids High School, continuing a strong tradition of guidance and support that helps students navigate academic and career pathways.  

[Old National Bank employees with high school students during their Meet and Greets.] 

In addition, ONB employees remain actively involved in Classroom Plus’s mock interviews. Volunteers engage with students by offering real-world interview practice, constructive feedback, and encouragement. These mock interviews have taken place at several partner schools, giving students the opportunity to sharpen communication skills and better understand employer expectations. ONB professionals have also extended this support to students participating in Minnesota Business Venture, conducting mock interviews at the summer camp and providing valuable career insights.  

[Old National Bank employees volunteering at mock interviews.]

Beyond these programs, ONB employees have also supported BestPrep as Student Spotlight Competition judges in the past, further demonstrating their commitment to student growth. 

Strengthening this partnership even further, ONB is represented on the BestPrep board by Casey Merkwan, Community Marketing & Engagement Manager, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to education and workforce readiness. Casey shares, “From eMentors, to mock interviews, to Classroom Plus, Old National Bank has enjoyed the long-time partnership with BestPrep in helping students prepare for the next phase of their lives – whether it’s college, internships or the workforce. We look forward to the next 50 years!”

Thank you, Old National Bank, for your continued support! 

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

Publish on February 25, 2026 Categories -

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 here.

[John Hope Bryant during his keynote address.]

Staying true to our student-centered mission, students were the heart of the program, from start to finish.

We proudly announced Audrianna Washington of Juxtaposition Arts and Osseo Senior High School as the first-place winner of BestPrep’s Student Spotlight Competition, sponsored by ECMC Group. As the first-place winner, Audrianna received the Kristie Award, a $2,500 scholarship provided by the Kristie Greive family. Students who participated in the competition submitted either an essay, poetry, art, or video in response to the prompt: Explain what financial freedom means to you. The top 20 winners, their teachers, and their families were invited to join the Student Spotlight reception prior to the program where the contest submissions were displayed and the top 5 winners were recognized.

[2026 Student Spotlight Competition Award Winners.]

The event also celebrated additional winners during the panel discussion with John Hope Bryant and ECMC Group’s Director of Student Success, Angela Greenlay. The panel conversation kicked off with a question from a video submission from second-place winner Lillian Chan of Park Center IB World School and was further enriched by third-place winner Ritvik Gopinath of Minnetonka High School, who joined the panel as a featured speaker.

[Left image: Screenshot of video submission from second-place winner, Lillian Chan. Right image: Panel discussion with Jordana Green, Angela Greenlay, Ritvik Gopinath, and John Hope Bryant.]

We were also pleased to have Minnesota Business Venture alumni join us on stage; Dmer Browne, Seth Damsgard, Adia Vang, and Olivia Xiong; highlighting what BestPrep is all about!

In celebration of BestPrep’s 50th anniversary, founder Bob Kaitz was recognized for his visionary leadership and decades of dedication to expanding educational opportunities for Minnesota students.

[Bob Kaitz (standing) being recognized.}

A special thank you to the Educational Forum’s wonderful group of sponsors and our media partners who promoted the event.

As we keep the momentum going, stay tuned on how we will continue to celebrate a half-century of BestPrep!

Bringing Real-World Learning into the Classroom

Publish on January 28, 2026 Categories -

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 has seen how these mentor relationships boost students’ confidence and help learning feel more personal and impactful. 

[Abby’s classroom visiting Target headquarters for their meet and greet].

Abby also incorporates The Stock Market Game™ to make personal finance lessons hands-on and interactive. By actively investing and managing risk, students learn financial concepts through real-world application, strengthening their decision-making skills and financial confidence. 

In addition, Abby regularly requests mock interviews through BestPrep’s Classroom Plus program, viewing them as essential to career readiness. “Without actually doing a mock interview with someone besides me, it doesn’t feel real to them,” Abby shared. “BestPrep gives students the opportunity to truly apply what we learn in class.” 

Through these experiences, BestPrep has become a trusted partner in Abby’s classroom, helping students build skills, confidence, and a clearer vision for their futures. 

ECMC Group Invests in Students’ Futures

Publish on January 28, 2026 Categories -

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 through conversations about college readiness, career pathways, and smart financial decisions.

ECMC Group also supports experiential learning by hosting interactive activities, such as financial literacy simulations like The FAB Life Game. This hands-on engagement reflects a strong alignment between ECMC Group’s mission and BestPrep’s focus on empowering youth through financial literacy. BestPrep is also grateful for ECMC Group’s leadership involvement, including Senior Director of Public Relations Laura Telander, who serves on BestPrep’s Board of Directors.

[Laura Telander (right) guiding students through ECMC Group’s FAB Life Game.]

That shared passion for empowering students extends across ECMC Group’s organization.

Dan Fisher, President and CEO of ECMC Group, shares, “ECMC Group is proud to partner with BestPrep in preparing the next generation with the skills they need to succeed. Together we provide practical financial and career learning for students that builds confidence today and expands opportunity for the future.”

In addition to employee engagement, ECMC Group is a significant financial sponsor of BestPrep, serving as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Educational Forum and sponsor of the Student Spotlight Competition — support that helps make these impactful programs possible.

Together, BestPrep and ECMC Group are preparing students with the skills, confidence, and tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom.