2026 Dureke National iDEA Pitch Competition Live June 6th 2026 WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship & Awards Gala; Live Grand Ballroom, University Maryland College Park June 20th 2026

Welcome to the community,

WHAT WE DO

Educate, empower, and train low-to-moderate-income youth (8-25) and communities on how to become financially independent through Practical Entrepreneurship Education.

Where classroom meets practical!

An in-depth breakdown of the key things you’ll need in real life. Broken down into detailed, doable, digestible lesson and sessions.
Mindset shift from job-seeking to job creation mentality.

PERKS N' STUFF

Our program consists of 80% virtual instruction with subject-matter experts and 20% in-person, hands-on activities.

Students and parents earn participation incentives through WETATi Academy partnerships.

WHY WE WORK

360

FOUNDATION

TM

Mindset shifting and practical training, from ideation to implementation on any venture.

180

ELEVATION

TM

Reinforce and equip students to securely advance with our strategic experts on any endeavor.

90

CENTRATION

TM

Undivided attention on all areas of enrichment for focused development on any enterprise.

IMPACT

More than

15,200

youth, young adults, communities & small businesses served since 2012

More than

$123K+

in scholarships awarded to program participants

On average students remain with WETATi Academy programs for

4+

Years

Laura Charleston

WETATI ACADEMY GRADUATE & WETATI ACADEMY INTERN

“I have been with WETATi Academy since I was in high school at College Park Academy. I have participated in the Annual DurekeiDEA Pitch Competition twice. Now I am currently a college student at the University of Maryland College Park.

WETATi helped me learn about financial literacy and managing money, entrepreneurship, and I know WETATi Academy can offer great advice to college students.”

Mr. Steven Baker

COLLEGE PARK ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

“WETATi is so much more than just entrepreneurship education, and idea pitch competition. WETATi, is filled with skilled and lived-experienced subject matter experts, who can teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and the business skills that students are going to need not only when they go out into the workforce, but also when they go off to colleges and universities.

The impact of WETATi at College Park Academy has been great. Each year we have evolved to increase the relationship between WETATi and our students.”

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