BestPrep

BestPrep’s summer camp, Minnesota Business Venture (MBV), will kick off in less than two weeks, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting where it all started!

Bob Kaitz, Founder and former President & CEO, added MBV to BestPrep’s list of program offerings in 1981, combining financial literacy, career exploration, and personal development together in one powerful week of interactive learning. This session was held at Gustavus Adolphus College and made an impact on 220 students. The number of students participating has grown every year since then.

Throughout the next two months, we’ll be sharing other facts and stories related to MBV. Make sure to follow us on so you don’t miss out!

A few weeks ago, two BestPrep staff members, Emma Richards and Xavier Thomas, were honored with the Hero Through Service Award from Corporate Volunteerism Council - Twin Cities!

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to community service and volunteer impact. Their dedication and heart for students, educators, and volunteers continue to inspire us. Help us celebrate this well‑deserved recognition 💙

BestPrep staff pictured from left to right: Shana Hoffer (VP of Development), Xavier Thomas (Education Outreach Associate), Emma Richards (CPFM Program Manager), Bonnie Vagasky (VP of External Relations), Jason Sanders (President & CEO)

BestPrep’s 2026 Annual Luncheon was a success! 👏

Congratulations again to our top four award recipients:
🏆 Kyra Shah — Don Friborg Student of the Year
🏆 Angela Zappa — Carpenter Educator of the Year
🏆 Eric Forstrom — Bunzel Volunteer of the Year
🏆 Carly Baker, CPA, MBA — Board Member of Distinction

Thank you to our keynote speaker, Michael E. Jordan; event emcee, Jason DeRusha; musical entertainment from PiM Modern Arts High School; and panelists Bella Nhi Lam and Mohan Atkuri for sharing their experiences, perspectives, and inspiration with our attendees.

A special thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, educators, students, and supporters who helped make this event possible. Your partnership continues to create opportunities that inspire the next generation of leaders.

We’re excited to announce that one of Minnesota’s own InvestWrite winners has earned national recognition!

Rishi, a student at Wayzata High School, placed 7th in the nation for the high school division. Rishi participated in the InvestWrite essay competition after completing The Stock Market Game, a virtual simulation teaching students how to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Rishi shares his experience, stating, “Being in The Stock Market Game competition felt like a nine-week race for me. Everything combined taught me that building a stable, diversified portfolio will help me handle the rough patches on track, and that investing is not an easy race, but with the right amount of preparation, I can win the financial race in my future.”

🔗Read more about Rishi’s accomplishment here: https://bestprep.org/bestprep-student-recognized-nationally/

As we look ahead to our Annual Luncheon this week, we’re excited to celebrate a tradition rooted in recognition and impact!

In 1977, BestPrep founder Bob Kaitz introduced the “Teacher of the Season” award, honoring outstanding educators throughout the year. Today, that tradition lives as the Teacher of the Year Award, alongside additional recognitions including Volunteer of the Year, Board Member of Distinction, and Student of the Year.

We can’t wait to come together to celebrate the individuals who make a difference every day through BestPrep.

Hope to see you there!

[Photo: Although it’s not 1977, we did find this in our archives from 1979!]

Yesterday, BestPrep's Emerging Leaders Alliance and Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) Student Ambassadors came together for their inaugural networking event! 🎉

Comprised of young professionals and high school/college MBV alum, these aspiring leaders made meaningful connections and even got to create a mini business plan and pitch it to the group! The collaboration was the perfect embodiment of connecting the future workforce with the business world. 💼

BestPrep received a visit from Old National Bank today and graciously gifted us with a $15,000 grant to support our programs!

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Minnesota students.

We’re proud to honor our Educator of the Year, Angie Zappa, from Irondale High School! 🎉

Angie has been involved with BestPrep for 15 years, incorporating our programs into her curriculum to make a lasting impact on her students. She invites guest speakers into her classroom, giving presentations on a variety of topics ranging from career readiness to financial literacy, utilizes mock interviews, and gives her students an opportunity to connect with business professionals through our eMentors program.

Through these experiences, her students build strong professional skills, expand career awareness, and gain a competitive advantage as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Thank you, Angie, for always putting students first ✨

We’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank the 504 schools we worked with last year!

From where we started to where we are today and the future we’re shaping, our partnerships with schools across Minnesota continue to create a lasting impact. These collaborations help bring real-world experiences into the classroom that prepares students for future success ✨

Recognizing exceptional leadership and service!

We’re proud to honor our Board Member of Distinction to Carly Baker, Senior Audit Manager of Market and Counterparty Risk Management at Wells Fargo 🎉

Carly has been involved with BestPrep and specifically the Minnesota Business Venture program for 15 years, beginning as a Residence Business Leader (RBL) and continuing to volunteer in various roles each year. She’s supported MBV as an RBL, contributed to the MBV Advisory Committee, a breakout speaker, Business Plan Judge, mock interviewer, and serves on the BestPrep Board of Directors.

Thank you, Carly, for your continued commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders!