05/12/2026
Another incredible year of Academy of Young Entrepreneurs is officially complete!
Today’s AYE wrap up at the Community Giving Foundation brought together students from Berwick, Benton, Danville, Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, and Columbia Montour Vo-Tech to celebrate months of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Today, students had the opportunity to pitch their final business ideas in front of their peers and a panel of community judges, showcasing all they have learned throughout the program. Congratulations to the Benton team for winning today’s pitch competition, and congratulations to every graduate of the program for all of your dedication and effort throughout the year.
A huge thank you to the advisors from each school for their constant support and encouragement to these students every step of the way. We are also so grateful to our judges, Professor Mike Huben from the Sales Department at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg, Amy Shortlidge from BIDA, and Jerome Manly, Executive Director of Early College and Workforce Development at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg, for taking the time to support and encourage our young entrepreneurs today.
Thank you to Damien Scoblink for speaking to the students on behalf of the Community Giving Foundation and for everything you do in our communities as a Berwick affiliate member. A special thank you to Jeff Emanuel for serving as program facilitator and leading an amazing year of AYE. We truly could not do it without you. Thank you as well to Danielle Pearson, FTC Director of Operations, for her constant support and dedication to this program throughout the entire year.
Lastly, thank you to Journey Bank, Weis Markets, PPL Foundation, and the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation for supporting this program and investing in the future of our students and communities. The future is bright for these young entrepreneurs!