Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s Student Entrepreneurs Academy Supports Students and Workforce Development

Earlier this year, we opened nominations for and awarded Foundations for Families’ inaugural Community Impact Award. We received many incredible nominations from organizations across the country that are implementing innovative programs to make sustainable contributions to their communities in the areas of workforce development, child care, and/or housing stabilization. We are pleased to share that this year’s runner up is Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Gilbert Chamber Foundation) for their work on the Student Entrepreneurs Academy.

Located in Maricopa County, Arizona, Gilbert Chamber Foundation was established in 2016 and is an integral part of the community, providing education, supporting leadership, and fostering civic engagement. Its programs span workforce development, mentoring, and community service, and the Foundation has a long history of working collaboratively with community partners to empower its citizens. It works closely with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce to connect with the business community.

Through the Student Entrepreneurs Academy, we’re not just preparing students for the workforce—we’re redefining what workforce readiness looks like. By bringing together educators, businesses, and mentors, we’re creating transformative opportunities for students to build real-world skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. This program empowers young people to think boldly, act creatively, and see themselves as the innovators and leaders who will shape the future of Gilbert and beyond. - Elaine Kessler, Director, Foundation & Community Impact, Gilbert Chamber Foundation

Investing in Students to Meet Future Workforce Needs

Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s Student Entrepreneurs Academy (SEA) is a shining example of an organization identifying a need and creating a solution in real time. The SEA was created in direct response to a community need, which is that employers noted students entering the workforce without sufficient opportunities to learn practical business skills, foster entrepreneurial thinking, and support professional readiness. Launched in October 2025, the SEA recruited students in grades 6-12 to participate in a 16-week program that would touch on all of these areas.

Experiential Learning to Empower Students

One of the most unique aspects of SEA is that students participate in hands-on activities and experiences to supplement what they learn through the course. Students are provided opportunities to develop business concepts and financial literacy and participate in mentor relationships with local employers. This fall’s cohort went on two field trips as part of their experience, one to a construction business and the other to an arts and sciences conservatory. Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s connections to the broader community make these partnerships possible. Students can see first-hand what employment looks like, learn what skills are necessary for a job, and discover the pathways that could lead them to employment in a similar role.

One of the culminating activities of the SEA is students creating presentations and, for those who are interested, pitches for a new service or product. Student projects are aligned with local economic priorities, ensuring relevance to the community’s workforce needs. Gilbert Chamber Foundation invites community members to attend student pitches and form a panel of judges to provide feedback. This fall, 50 community members attended the pitches. Pitches provide an opportunity for students to showcase their problem solving, creativity, and public speaking as they showcase what they’ve learned throughout their participation in the SEA.

Community and Business Involvement Supports Sustainability

While the SEA is a new initiative, there are already positive outcomes observed. Students gained confidence, career awareness, and professional communication skills, and developed new approaches to teamwork. Community interest and engagement from the business community – both with the first cohort and planning for the future – are also part of the success of the initiative and will be foundational in growing the program.

There are plans to continue to develop the SEA and offer it to a new cohort of students each year. The program is the result of thinking outside of the box to help solve community workforce needs by providing students with an opportunity to learn business skills before they enter the labor force or begin post-secondary education. Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s role connecting education, student involvement, and the business community has been foundational to the success of the program.

Congratulations to the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, and we look forward to following the journey of the Student Entrepreneurs Academy!

Thank you.

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