LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Alan Gersten was nominated by a former student, Roberto De Jesus.

The e-Business Academy was established at Century High School over 20 years ago, and Mr. Gersten has been its Program Director since 2008. Students can be part of the program as early as their sophomore year. They learn essential skills that they would learn in the business industry. Designing a business, company logo, website, and catalog are just a few examples that students get to do in their first year. At the end of the year, students will choose their top business ideas that the cohort will move forward with and continue to develop.

After the business has been chosen, each student is allowed to interview for the executive level jobs. All students play a vital role in running the company as a whole, and those who aren't in the executive-level positions are still part of a department. The classroom setting operates as an office setting in which students obtain “virtual checks” and learn how to manage their finances. Each student has a virtual bank account which teaches them daily life responsibilities, such as paying bills.

"'You've got to look at things from the viewpoint of driving a car. When you’re driving, you don’t just look at the pavement, and you look beyond that.' Those were the words of advice that Mr. Gersten gave me upon evaluating a financial report when I was the Chief Financial Officer for our virtual company, Pandemonium," said De Jesus. "Until this day, I still reflect on Mr. Gersten's advice and apply it in my daily life, which has influenced where I am in life as of today. Today, I'm an individual who looks beyond what's in front of me, sometimes literally, and analyzes each option before making a decision that will impact my future. Thus, looking beyond has made a beneficial difference in my life, and I owe it to Mr. Gersten's words of wisdom."

More importantly, Mr. Gersten’s ability to create a positive school atmosphere has been extraordinary. He influences students throughout his mentorship, thereby creating future leaders of tomorrow.

"He has a desire to help students gain important life skills, and he gives his students professional experiences," said Gary Zeri, a former student. "Students get an opportunity before many of their peers to sit in an office board room and discuss a marketing strategy, risk management, and hiring processes."

Mr. Gersten creates a positive atmosphere at Century by unifying students in each of their cohorts. He prepares students with the tools needed to become valued professionals by teaching them how to prepare for life after high school. From creating resumes, to sharpening interviewing skills, to teaching the skills required to succeed in obtaining a career, Mr. Gersten makes Century’s atmosphere shine. He’s also a teacher for the Career Technical (CTE) program, in which he teaches students technical skills and provides hands-on experiences. Students have the opportunity to obtain a technical certificate by being part of a CTE Career Pathway.

Without a doubt, Mr. Gersten's leadership role at Century continues to impact students' lives significantly. Century is the only school site in the entire school district to offer the e-Business Academy program. Yet, Mr. Gersten's impact is abundant, especially for first-generation college students. Indeed, through his leadership roles, Mr. Gersten has affected countless Centurions along the journey.  

Mr. Gersten's record of excellence has been extraordinary at the professional level. The Academy has received numerous awards and recognitions, especially in their Virtual Trade Fairs. Each year, the program attends local, state, national, and international competitions in places like New York and Washington D.C. Although there are a variety of businesses that compete in each category, Century’s e-Business Academy always succeeds by achieving recognitions across the board. Mr. Gersten also coordinates Senior Awards for the top seniors in the program. His excellence record extends beyond what he's required to do, and he always goes above and beyond impacting students' lives.

Furthermore, Mr. Gersten oversees more than students’ educational journeys. He has impacted students’ lives by producing a nurturing atmosphere. Century/e-Business Academy Alumni Stephanie Rivera shared her story on how Mr. Gersten has helped her through his mentorship. Because of his guidance, Stephanie was able to attend a four-year university.

“As a low-income, Mexican immigrant student in a single-parent household, attending school was just a requirement," said Rivera. "I had little motivation or aspirations at that time. His guidance and the e-Business Academy intrinsically motivated me to go to school and aspire for more. He was the first mentor who genuinely believed in my potential and always made me feel confident about other students' capabilities. He instilled in me the importance of leadership, as well as the power to influence others and create positive change. I took unimaginable risks and volunteered for leadership positions in high school to guide my professional development. Most importantly, when I became an orphan during my junior year and experienced immense adversity, Mr. Gersten was the most prominent advocate for my wellbeing. He collaborated with other educators to support me, ensure I graduated, and reach my dream to attend a university. Thanks to his mentorship, I am a first-generation graduate student. Mr. Gersten is innovative and supportive, and he always provides his students with a sense of belonging and aspiration for something bigger than themselves. It is for his investment in each student, unique ability to inspire many, and humble nature that he is the most deserving educator of this recognition.”

Undoubtedly, Mr. Gersten’s commitment to a high moral and ethical standard to his students, school, and community excels daily. Educators have basic principles, yet sometimes, it’s more complicated than it sounds. In the classroom setting, Mr. Gersten shows dignity, integrity, and responsibility to each of the students, including those who aren’t in the program. Mr. Gersten has shown tremendous respect to students, faculty, and families each time he gets a chance to collaborate with them. Thereby, Mr. Gersten’s devoted time in being the Program Director has shown that he holds himself to a high moral and ethical standard.