Westonka Transition Plus Enjoys Night Out at BestPrep Forum

Ten students and educators from Westonka’s Transition Plus program attended the BestPrep Educational Forum Feb. 8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
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February 15, 2024 — Ten students and educators from Westonka’s Transition Plus program received a special invitation to attend the BestPrep Educational Forum, which was held Feb. 8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. BestPrep is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that partners with schools to provide business, career and financial literacy skills through hands-on work experiences.

At the annual Educational Forum - which includes a keynote speaker, social hour, formal dinner and live music - BestPrep acknowledges the hard work of student participants around the state and celebrates accomplishments from the past year. Earlier this school year, one of the head organizers of the Forum reached out to teacher Kayla Dalbey to thank Westonka Transition Plus for their years of participating with BestPrep. 

“[The organizer] told us that a table for 10 was being gifted/donated to us if we wanted to bring a group,” said Dalbey. “I was shocked to find out tickets cost around $265 per person for the event - what an amazing opportunity to be gifted!”

Dalbey has partnered with BestPrep to secure speakers for Westonka Transition Plus on a variety of business topics. She has also worked with the BestPrep eMentors program where young adults have the opportunity to correspond with business professionals via email in order to build professional communication skills. At the end of the experience, they hold a meet-and-greet lunch where students can see where their mentors work.  

In preparation for the Forum, students ages 18-21 in the Transition Plus program worked on a variety of skills to ensure a successful evening. This included researching and shopping for business professional clothing, reviewing social skills, personal hygiene and etiquette for the event, and taking time off work. This year’s Educational Forum featured a keynote address by John Hope Bryant, who spoke on the topic of Financial Dignity for All. 

Dalbey said, “It was truly an incredible experience that we were so thankful to be included in!”