While America just finished celebrating its 250th anniversary, the idea of the American Dream did not come about until the 1930s. At the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026 Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy (EEA), the event was built around the central theme of the American Dream.
Through IMAGINE Berks, Berks County has supported the Emerging Entrepreneur’s Academy for the last few years. Seeing the impact of the program and the connections students build through internships, interactions with business owners, and classroom style lectures truly makes it feel like you are dreaming. During the graduation ceremony, a video was played, and one participant said for the first time in his life, he loved learning. Seeing the passion and commitment from the students and volunteers really highlighted the impact this 6-week program had on all who participated.
Dream Makers
One of the key principles for EEA is turning Dream Chaser into Dream Makers. Their model shifts the focus away from working towards the concept or idea of something abstract, to instead focusing on a pathway which helps break down the skills needed to be successful. Through the hours of open dialog and discussion with small business owners and business support organizations, students learned that there is no single right way to open and run a successful business. They also learned from the hard lessons other entrepreneurs faced on their journey and how to avoid or overcome those obstacles.
37 students were enrolled in the summer program and at the end of the 6 weeks, each of those students walked across the stage to celebrate their graduation from the academy marking their entrance into the EEA Alumni network. For graduates, knowing that the support and networking continue past the 6-week program is invaluable. Not only does it reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom, but it also allows graduates to stay connected as their peers continue making their dreams reality. Having a network you can lean on when you need support and who will celebrate when you succeed helps to foster a more vibrant business community.
Gary Seibert, Founder & CEO, explained, “The alumni network is home to over 130 graduates and continues to grow every year, the 37 students graduated this summer will hopefully become future business owners and community leaders in Berks County”.
The summer program and continual support for graduates helps to implement the IMAGINE Berks Small Business & Entrepreneurship goals through the ecosystem created to support each student’s future business ideas. While many of the dreams are just beginning to take shape for the 2026 graduates, we have a front-row seat to watch these dream makers in action. If you are interested in learning more about EEA and how you can participate as a business owner or as a student, click here to learn more.