Your Chamber of Commerce is all about business! We love supporting not only local business, but anything that educates our youth about business and future employment opportunities right here in our community. That’s why for years we’ve supported Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). This award-winning program teaches students to understand and celebrate our American private enterprise system and provides a unique, hands-on learning experience that helps students develop the vital skills businesses like yours need to succeed. This summer, students from our area joined over 2,000 students from across the state to participate in the 40th annual PFEW summer program held in Williamsport.
At PFEW, students form management teams of approximately eighteen students and run their own manufacturing company, competing against other student companies. Throughout the week, world class speakers address the students on a wide variety of topics germane to the business world and their personal and professional development. It is not only a powerful educational experience, it can be positively life-changing. Here are several quotes from students who attended this year’s program:
“The numerous speakers showed me a new way to view the world and others, and it truly changed my life. This week, I was engulfed in the world of marketing and finance, which helped in directing me towards my future goals… I believe that I will carry this new-found information and carry these skills with me for the rest of my life.” – Paul Nicholas, Central Bucks West High School
“I’ve had such a wonderful time. From getting a taste of the world of business to getting to lead my team members, I was changed and cherished it all. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn. Just thank you for being so kind to me even though you don’t know me. Thank you for believing in what I am and who I can become.” – Caleb Smith, Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
“Without PFEW, I didn’t know what my purpose was, but after the first few days, I knew this week would change me. I am leaving PFEW with new found knowledge of the business world and all it has to offer. You are who got me here. You are why I changed this week. You have given me a purpose…” – Saige Slater, Cranberry Area High School
PFEW is taught entirely by volunteer practitioners from the PA business community, and each year, over 200 volunteers are needed to put on this world-class program. Students attend via a $625 scholarship donated by a local business, foundation, civic organization or individual. To get involved as a donor or volunteer, or to discover more about PFEW, visit their website at www.pfew.org, or call Scott Lee at 814-833-9576.
