The Best in Class Summit gives high-achieving high school seniors an exclusive, firsthand look at the economic development and career opportunities shaping Fort Wayne and Allen County. Designed for students in their senior year, the Best in Class Summit is open to those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate leadership potential and are actively engaged in extracurricular activities, the workforce, or volunteer service. This program serves as a pathway to their future in our community.
Complemented by ongoing updates on Fort Wayne and Allen County’s economic growth and key projects, this immersive experience gives participants valuable insights into Allen County’s momentum.
By creating meaningful connections and celebrating the opportunities and future of our community, the Best in Class Summit inspires students to envision their future in Allen County. We are equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to build successful futures in a community that believes in their potential.
Connect with peers and community leaders, opening doors to opportunities and developing a network of support and guidance for your future.
Discover insights on current and future growth in Fort Wayne and Allen County, building awareness of the opportunities available right here at home.
Envision your future in Fort Wayne and Allen County while equipping yourself with the confidence and knowledge to lead and thrive in our community.
The Best in Class Summit provides a unique opportunity for high-performing students from every high school in Allen County to immerse themselves in our dynamic community and experience its remarkable growth firsthand.
The Best in Class Summit is designed to enrich the professional and personal development of high school seniors, equipping them for future success. We invite school administrators and staff to help us recognize outstanding students by identifying those who excel academically, contribute to their communities, and demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
By nominating students for this program, you play a vital role in empowering them with the knowledge and connections needed to make informed career decisions. This is a chance for them to build a strong foundation for their future, inspired by the exciting opportunities within Fort Wayne and Allen County.
After nominations have been submitted by a school administration, students will receive an invitation with event details and an online event registration form. Eligible students must complete the online registration form and obtain parental or guardian consent in order to participate in the Best in Class Summit.
The Best in Class Summit is 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:
Every year, each Allen County high school is invited to nominate 12 seniors who meet several of the following qualities:
There is no cost to participate. The Best in Class Summit is completely free for students, thanks to support from Greater Fort Wayne Inc., partners, and sponsors.
Please wear business casual attire. Think of it like dressing for a job interview or professional school presentation.
Once registration is complete, families will receive a confirmation email with:
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.