The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents a significant investment in the next generation of business leaders who prioritize social responsibility alongside commercial success. This $1,000 prize, established by Dr. Wade Newman, founder of Eagle Valley Family Dentistry and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, specifically targets undergraduate students pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path. The award embodies Dr. Newman's lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and empowering young innovators to create meaningful change through business ventures that serve their communities.
Dr. Newman's own career trajectory demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to celebrate. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2000, he built a thriving dental practice while simultaneously serving his country for over twenty years in the Air National Guard. His journey from police officer to dental professional to business owner exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and vision required for entrepreneurial success in today's competitive landscape. Throughout his multifaceted career, Dr. Newman has balanced providing compassionate dental care with leadership roles, including serving as President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, while completing critical military missions in challenging environments such as Bani Bangou, Africa.
The establishment of this award extends Dr. Newman's philosophy of using one's skills and resources to uplift others, a principle he has demonstrated through extensive volunteer work with organizations like Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile. By investing in students who aspire to build businesses that create positive community impact, the award program reinforces the idea that successful entrepreneurship should encompass both financial viability and social responsibility. This approach recognizes that the most sustainable businesses often emerge from addressing genuine community needs while maintaining ethical business practices.
Eligibility for the Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs requires applicants to be currently enrolled undergraduate students at accredited U.S. colleges or universities who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The application process centers around an original 500-750 word essay responding to a prompt about integrating social responsibility and community impact into their entrepreneurial journey. Evaluation criteria focus on demonstrated commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, clarity of vision, understanding of social responsibility in business, writing quality, and genuine passion for creating positive community impact through business innovation.
The application deadline is set for July 15, 2026, with the winner announced on August 15, 2026. Students must submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the specified deadline. For comprehensive information about the award program and detailed application requirements, prospective applicants can visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/. Dr. Newman emphasized the award's underlying philosophy, stating that throughout his career in dentistry, military service, and business ownership, he has learned that the most rewarding success comes from serving others, and he aims to support students who understand that entrepreneurship involves building something that matters beyond mere profitability.
