EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY
A one-of-a-kind experience where high school students discover their potential, develop as leaders, and experience entrepreneurship
in the real world.
The Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy begins with an intensive six-week summer experience that equips Berks County high school students with real-world entrepreneurship, leadership and internship experience.
After graduation, students join a year-round alumni community providing ongoing mentorship, professional development, networking, and opportunities that
support them for years to come.
Sponsor a Dream Chaser.
When they succeed we all win!
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Emerging Entrepreneurs Leadership Academy (EEA) gives high school students the confidence, connections, and real-world experience to turn ideas into action. Hosted at Penn State Berks, our six-week summer academy takes learning beyond the classroom through hands-on leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and micro-internships.
Students don’t just learn entrepreneurship—they experience it, alongside more than 100 business and community leaders invested in their success. And because students attend at no cost, opportunity is open to everyone.
Turning Dream Chasers into Dream Makers.
Outcomes and Takeaways
EEA students leave the Academy with more than knowledge, they leave with confidence, connections, experience, and a clearer vision for their future. Through hands-on entrepreneurship, leadership development, internships, mentorship, and teamwork, students strengthen the communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional skills they need to succeed in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and life.
Graduates become part of a year-round alumni network that keeps them connected to mentors, business leaders, opportunities, and one another. Whether they go on to launch a business, pursue college, enter the workforce, or discover an entirely new path, EEA gives young people the relationships, experiences, and belief in themselves to move forward as leaders and Dream Makers.
Evaluation Criteria
During the classroom week, students will draft questions about the topics discussed to pose to the business owner during their internship week. After spending time in the business, students will then be required to submit their reflections based on their observations.
DID YOU KNOW?
EEA students can
earn four college credits through Penn State Berks while completing the Academy. They gain real-world entrepreneurship and leadership experience while getting a head start on their college journey.
Must be going into 10th, 11th or 12th grade
Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy is a joint effort by Career Ready Berks in cooperation with the Small Business Resource Association.
PROGRAM DETAILS
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The EEA experience begins with a 6-week summer camp for incoming 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who have an interest in some day starting and owning a business.
Berks County Students
JUNE 14 - JULY 30, 2026
With the Week of July 4th OFF for the Independence Day Holiday.
Weeks 1, 3 and 5 will be in the classroom from 9 to 3:00 Monday Through Thursday; 9 to 12:30 Friday.
Weeks 2, 4 and 6 will require students to participate in an internship program with a local business.
6/7 – Welcome Picnic w/ Alumni | Penn State Berks
6/14-6/18 – Interactive Workshops | Penn State Berks
6/21-6/25 – Hands-On Internship
6/28-7/2 – Interactive Workshops | Penn State Berks
7/5-7/9 - WEEK OFF for Independence Day Holiday
7/12-7/16 – Hands-On Internship
7/19–7/23 – Interactive Workshops | Penn State Berks
7/26–7/28 - Hands-On Internship
7/29 - Graduation & Dream Pitch Practice
7/30 - Dream Pitch Competition | Penn State Berks
Where
Penn State Berks Campus
Catered lunches will be provided Monday through Friday
Internships
Internship experience will be matched with the best business depending on the student’s industry of interest.
High School Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors will complete an application. Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy staff will review applications and select qualifying students from each high school. Up to 40 students will be selected from the Berks County high schools.
Each selected student will be asked to complete a customized entrepreneur skill assessment prior to start of program.
Application Criteria
EEA looks beyond grades. Students are evaluated on their curiosity, initiative, character, willingness to learn, and potential to lead. We look for young people who are ready to step outside their comfort zone, engage fully, work with others, and make the most of every opportunity.
No business idea or previous entrepreneurship experience is required—just an open mind, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to grow.
AGENDA
Weeks 1, 3 and 5 will be in the classroom:
9-3, Monday through Thursday
9-12:30 Friday
Weeks 2, 4 and 6 will require student to participate in an internship program with a local business for a minimum of 20 hours a week on weeks 2 and 4 and 10 hours on week 5.
Week 1: Getting Started
Topics to include:
What is an Entrepreneur?
Fundamentals of being an Entrepreneur
Which business is right for me?
Market analysis and competition
Leadership – what it takes to be a healthy leader, develop a leadership team, gather followers and think critically
Week 3: Let's Talk Paperwork!
Creating a legal business entity
Financing, Accountability, Management and Business Projections
Insurance and Risk Management
Start-up – developing a business plan and projections
Developing and sticking to a Mission and Vision
Week 5: Going to Market
Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations
The Power of Digital Media
Developing a Website and Building a Brand
Sales
Creating an Irresitible Culture
Human Resources: Hiring, Firing, Managing, and Retaining Staff
Work/Life Balance
PROGRAM INVESTMENT
$5,000 / STUDENT
The cost for the students will be underwritten through grants and business sponsorships.
Please Support the EEA. Here's How:
😇 Be a presenter or participate in a panel
😇 Be an instructor
😇 Offer an internship
😇 Sponsor 1 or more students
