Alvernia University partners with Jay Sidhu and YPO to launch Never Ever Ever Give Up Global Leadership Boot Camp

New two-week summer program combines entrepreneurship, AI and ethics with access to U.S. institutions and global finance

Alvernia University announces a strategic partnership with Customers Bancorp, Inc., Executive Chair Jay Sidhu, to create the Never Ever Ever Give Up Global Leadership Boot Camp, an immersive two-week summer experience designed with the children of Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) members in mind.

Launching June 14-26, 2026, the program will bring a cohort of students from around the world to Alvernia's Reading campus for a high-touch leadership experience shaped by entrepreneurs and executives, including daily engagement with Sidhu and YPO champions, many from the Pennsylvania Chapter.

In 2023, Sidhu's Wall Street Journal and Amazon Best Seller Never Ever Ever Give Up debuted and with it he launched a global speaking tour. Sidhu has spoken to K-12 school students, university students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and YPO members in over a dozen nations and across the country, including the US Military Academy at West Point. He will exceed his goal of impacting 5,000 lives.

"This is about giving young people an experience that changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible," said Sidhu. "When teens learn to lead with resilience, conscience and compassion, and then apply those lessons in the places where public policy, finance and opportunity intersect, they don't just build confidence. They build a foundation for a meaningful life of impact."

The boot camp is presented with support from members of the YPO Pennsylvania Chapter and other global chapters and is designed to reflect YPO's focus on developing leaders through trusted community and exceptional experiences. Participants will explore entrepreneurship and emerging technology through a values-centered lens while engaging with real-world institutions and decision-makers.

"Alvernia is built for experiential learning that develops ethical leaders who do well and do good," said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "This partnership with Jay Sidhu and the Never Ever Ever Give Up platform, in collaboration with YPO Pennsylvania and its world-class champions, creates a truly distinctive global leadership experience for families who value purpose-driven leadership, hands-on learning, innovation and service."

Program highlights include site visits and immersive learning connected to leadership, markets and civic life, including planned experiences in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. Students will also use Alvernia's innovation resources for hands-on projects, with a capstone venture challenge and graduation planned at the New York Stock Exchange, subject to final arrangements.

"Students won't be learning leadership in theory, they'll experience it in real time through experiences that highlight the importance of creativity, clear communication and ethical decision-making," said Alvernia Associate Professor and Program Director Travis A. Berger, Ph.D. "By combining entrepreneurial thinking, AI, and intentional self-reflection with daily access to experienced leaders, this program delivers a distinctive level of developmental intensity that participants simply can't find in a traditional summer program."

Program Details and Registration Information:

• Dates: June 14-26, 2026
• Length: two weeks
• Cohort: up to 50 students
• Eligibility: ages 14-19 from YPO member families (each student may register one optional companion of similar age, subject to availability)
• Tuition: $7,995 (includes housing, meals, on-campus programming, domestic group travel for scheduled excursions, activity fees and graduation events)
• Registration: Inquiry and applications are available via the program's website.

About Customers Bank

Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:CUBI) is one of the nation's top-performing banking companies with over $24 billion in assets making it one of the 80 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. Customers Bank's commercial and consumer clients benefit from a full suite of technology-enabled tailored product experiences delivered by best-in-class customer service distinguished by a Single Point of Contact approach. In addition to traditional lines such as C&I lending, commercial real estate lending and multifamily lending, Customers Bank also provides a number of national corporate banking services to specialized lending clients. Major accolades include:

• Named a Top 10 Performing Bank by American Banker for five consecutive years (2021-2025), including the #1 spot in 2024 among midsize banks ($10-$50B in assets)
• Recognized by Forbes among America's Top 100 Banks for seven consecutive years
• Net Promoter Score of 81 compared to industry average of 41

A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender. Learn more: www.customersbank.com.

About YPO Pennsylvania Chapter

YPO Pennsylvania Chapter connects Pennsylvania's most influential business leaders through trusted relationships, open and honest dialogue and outstanding local experiences, with access to YPO's global community. The chapter's vision is to create connection and inspire self-discovery through outstanding experiences, grounded in values of trust, innovation, vulnerability and community. Learn more at ypopa.com.

About Never Ever Ever Give Up

Never Ever Ever Give Up is more than a book, it's a leadership movement founded by Jay Sidhu that encourages individuals to set clear goals, persevere through adversity and create positive "ripples" in the lives they touch. Through speaking engagements, youth leadership boot camps and global YPO sessions, the movement aims to inspire and support young people worldwide. Learn more at nevereverevergiveup.com.