The Albright Entrepreneurs Village (AEV), located on Centennial Campus, is NC State’s living and learning community for student entrepreneurs. The village offers sophomore students and above a residential experience that embeds entrepreneurial thinking into everyday student life. 

AEV’s residential model is built to support students in developing entrepreneurial skills while exploring their broader interests and potential. Living and learning in AEV means students are constantly immersed in an environment that empowers them to pursue their ideas and interests with confidence. Residents have access to specialized programming, including networking opportunities, mentorship from startup founders and experiential trips that expose students to startup ecosystems and real-world entrepreneurial spaces.

While AEV’s structure and programming shape the foundation of the community, its day-to-day impact is best understood through the students who live there. Their experiences offer insight into how entrepreneurship becomes woven into daily life, from casual idea-sharing in common spaces to mentorship sessions that challenge their thinking. When asked to reflect on their experiences, students highlighted why they applied, what makes AEV stand out and which aspects of life in the village have been most meaningful.

Why students chose AEV

Adam Nawar, a junior studying microbial biotechnology in the College of Sciences, grew up immersed in his family business, which sparked his interest in entrepreneurship early on. Nawar applied to AEV to find a space where he could explore his ideas more deeply and turn them into actionable projects, while still remaining focused on his academic studies.

Haley O’Brien, a sophomore studying environmental sciences in the College of Natural Resources, applied to AEV to live with other students who share similar ambitions while also offering different perspectives. O’Brien finds that interacting with students from a variety of fields encourages her to approach her studies creatively and think like an entrepreneur. 

Jonathan Rodgers, a junior studying electrical engineering with minors in mathematical data science and mathematics, eagerly applied to AEV to learn how to grow a student organization into a nonprofit that could reach more students. The community also gave Rodgers the opportunity to collaborate with peers who are equally as driven and innovative. 

For Alex Jong, a junior double-majoring in computer science and international studies, AEV offered the opportunity to explore how his two areas of study intersect. Jong was drawn to the community as a place to test ideas and think creatively at the crossroads of technology and international issues.

What residents say about life in the village

Although residents live in apartment-style units, AEV is structured around more than an elevated living style. Through intentional programming and shared learning experiences, the village creates a space for students to explore entrepreneurial thinking alongside peers from different disciplines. 

Nawar appreciates how AEV goes beyond apartment living to provide unique learning opportunities. He especially enjoys the 1-credit seminar offered during students’ first semester in the village, which introduces entrepreneurial concepts and strategies. Taught by Ahmed Ali, the director of AEV, the course features engaging discussions and guest speakers, offering valuable insights to students of all majors, not just business. 

Other residents point to AEV’s network as one of the most impactful aspects of life in the village. Through connections with education leaders and IE staff, students gain access to a range of perspectives that extend beyond the classroom. Rodgers shared that these relationships have directly shaped his work leading an educational nonprofit, influencing his approach to leadership and organizational strategy. 

“My favorite part of AEV is the connections that I have been able to make to expand my own entrepreneurial endeavors,” said Rodgers

What sets AEV apart from other villages

AEV distinguishes itself by bringing together students from across disciplines and embedding entrepreneurship into both academic and residential life. Students are encouraged to approach entrepreneurship through their own academic lense, learning from both structured programming and daily interactions, with opportunities that help turn ideas into action. 

For O’Brien, that sense of possibility was apparent even before she applied. Having heard about AEV through her older brother, who served as a Village Mentor, she was already familiar with the village’s impact. She points to the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage as a defining opportunity at the village — a shared space where students can learn while having access to skills workshops and hands-on tools such as 3D printers and sewing machines, reinforcing AEV’s emphasis on experiential learning. 

Residents also highlighted the village’s interdisciplinary community as a key feature. Nawar reflected on his experience, observing the unique value of living among students from diverse backgrounds who are united by a shared passion for creating and reimagining what is possible. He described that collective drive to innovate was a unifying force within the village. 

Favorite AEV events

The village offers a variety of programs and events designed to spark creativity, build skills and connect residents with mentors and peers. From workshops and guest speaker sessions to hands-on opportunities in the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage and entrepreneurship courses, these experiences give students the chance to explore new interests, develop practical skills and bring their visions to life. 

For Jong, a highlight was a session with a founder who had gone through NC State’s entrepreneurship programs. Conversations like this give students a firsthand look at the challenges and successes of launching a venture, providing inspiration and practical insight that residents can apply to their own ventures. 

In addition to sessions with founders who have launched successful ventures, residents also highlighted events like “Startup Horror Stories,” where entrepreneurs share ventures that did not go as planned. O’Brien found it particularly insightful, noting that hearing firsthand about failures encouraged her to embrace adaptability and resiliency — key skills for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Why residents encourage students to apply to AEV

Residents at the village often point to the community, resources and experiential opportunities as reasons they would encourage others to apply to live at AEV. From the supportive network of peers and mentors to hands-on programs and events, students highlight how living in the village helps them develop entrepreneurial skills, explore new ideas and grow both personally and professionally. 

Nawar emphasized that even a small interest in entrepreneurship can be nurtured in AEV, where students have access to unique resources, opportunities to learn directly from entrepreneurs and a network of peers and faculty who share their curiosity. While the apartment-style living is a perk, he notes that it is the programming, connections and immersive experiences that truly set the village apart. 

Community is another key highlight. O’Brien shared that AEV encourages students to make connections beyond their usual circles, offering them the chance to meet peers they might have never encountered otherwise. Combined with monthly networking events and professional opportunities, the village provides social and career-building benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. 

“It’s easy to fall into familiar social patterns, but AEV encourages connections with people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with,” said O’Brien

Interested in living and learning at the Albright Entrepreneurship Village (AEV)? Students can apply through the NC State MyPack Portal until February 1. For questions, send an email to albrightvillage@ncsu.edu