Congratulations on your nomination for Best in Class. Below are the most frequently asked questions we receive from students and their parents.
Best in Class is a signature program by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. designed to connect top high school seniors from all 19 Allen County high schools. Selected students come together to build relationships, explore leadership opportunities, and discover what Fort Wayne and Allen County offer for their future careers and lives.
The Best in Class Summit is an immersive experience where students will:
- Network with other high-achieving seniors from across Allen County.
- Hear from community leaders and young professionals.
- Explore the region’s top career pathways and development opportunities.
- Participate in interactive activities focused on leadership, innovation, and growth.
- Be entered to win a $500 scholarship, sponsored by Questa Education Foundation.
- Leave inspired to build their future in Fort Wayne.
Each Allen County high school is invited to nominate 12 seniors for the Class of 2026 who meet several of the following qualities:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Strong leadership potential.
- Active in extracurriculars, work, or volunteer service.
- A positive outlook on their future in education or entrepreneurship.
Passionate about making a difference in the community
There is no cost to participate. The Best in Class program is completely free for students, thanks to support from Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and our partners.
Please wear business casual attire. Think of it like dressing for a job interview or professional school presentation.
- Examples: dress pants, button-up shirts, blouses, modest dresses, or skirts.
- Avoid: jeans, sweatpants, graphic t-shirts, or casual sneakers.
Once registration is complete, families will receive a confirmation email with:
- Event schedule and check-in details
- Directions and parking information
- Food and refreshment notes
- Contact info for follow-up questions
Transportation is not provided, but we hope students can attend with support from their families or schools. If transportation is a challenge, please contact us. We’re happy to help brainstorm options.
No, parents do not need to attend. The Best in Class Summit is a student-only event designed to encourage independence, peer connections, and professional networking.
Students will be supervised by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. staff and volunteers throughout the program. Families will receive all logistics and contact information in advance so you can feel confident your child is safe and supported while attending.
If you’ve been nominated, complete the online registration form included in your information packet. Once registered, you’ll receive a follow-up message from our team with everything you need to know.