Learning That Lasts: How the Institutes Shape College Success, with Siddhartha Sangwan '23

Perkiomen School’s Institutes are designed to prepare students for what comes next, at the university level and beyond. In this blog series, we hear directly from Perkiomen alumni who are now studying in fields aligned with their Institute experience, as they reflect on how hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world problem solving shaped their transition to college and continue to influence their academic journeys today.

Siddhartha Sangwan '23 is a student at Penn State University studying Business Management. He is also attending United Aviate Academy, located in Phoenix, Arizona, learning to become a pilot. 

He has already earned his private pilot license, instrument rating, and commercial license, and is preparing for his certified flight instructor (CFI) checkride. His path through the Academy also guarantees him a job with United Airlines.

At Perkiomen, Sangwan joined the Entrepreneurship Institute, drawn by his natural instinct for ideas and persuasion. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, he learned to refine those instincts into real-world skills: pitching, presenting, problem-solving, and turning concepts into action.

"I wanted to further these abilities of mine," says Sangwan. "I can't thank (faculty members) Mr. Yorgey and Mr. Frey enough for helping me develop into the person I am today."

When asked what skills he relies on most now that he is continuing his studies, Sangwan shares, "my public speaking, quick thinking, and being able to build something from nothing."

Before Perkiomen, presenting in front of a class felt intimidating. Now?

“After the classes I took, I don't even think twice about presenting anymore," he says, "I do not need slides! Being able to develop an idea from just the thought to the real thing has been huge for me."

That confidence shows up everywhere. In business classes, he communicates ideas clearly and comfortably. In flight training, quick thinking is critical when making split-second decisions in the air. The same mindset applies in both worlds.

The ability to stay calm, think fast, and act decisively isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

At Perkiomen, the Entrepreneurship Institute emphasizes more than theory; it emphasizes doing.

Today, Sangwan is already applying that mindset in real life. He and his uncle launched an Airbnb property in State College after he identified a strong local rental market. He developed the listing, handled communication, and helped shape the strategy.

“It stays rented for almost the whole year,” he says. “It’s been one of the best things we’ve done.”

Spot an opportunity. Build a plan. Execute confidently. It’s the same cycle he practiced at Perkiomen.

"My advice to anyone considering one of the institutes it to stop thinking," says Sangwan. "Just do it! I am really glad that I even had the amazing opportunity to be at such a school that had this program. The Entrepreneurship Institute really helped shape me into who I am today, and I really would have regretted it if I hadn't taken advantage of it. It is very important to use the resources around us, and this would be one of the best ways to do it!"

From pitching ideas in the classroom to launching businesses and flying professionally, Sangwan's journey shows how Perkiomen’s Institutes prepare students not just for college acceptance, but for college confidence and career momentum.

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