More than 2,000 high school juniors and seniors participated in an intensive, week-long business course that gave them first-hand experience with building a company from the ground up. Lycoming College hosted four of the sessions offered as part of the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week from July 3 to Aug. 6. The Pennsylvania College of Technology hosted a fifth session that runs concurrently with the August session.
“Every year, the students impress us with their intelligence, creativity, and infectious excitement about the week’s activities,” said Mike Konopski, vice president for enrollment management. “We’re pleased to host the event and offer a number of employees and alumni to contribute to the students’ development as future business leaders.”
Rising high school juniors and seniors from across Pennsylvania were selected from applicants to participate in the program designed to educate students about the American free enterprise system. Business executives throughout the state are leading workshops and presenting on various topics related to the startup and operation of a successful company. Students also get a feel for college life while spending the week on campus.
Keynote business speakers for the five weeks include: Dan McKnight, retired senior vice president of M&T Bank; Robert Merrill, executive vice president, sales and marketing for JELD-WEN, Inc.; Barbara Gray, senior vice president at Highmark, Inc.; Dennis Doll, president and CEO and director of Reliance Bank in Altoona; and Todd Goodstein, president of HVAC sales for Energy Transfer Solutions. A number of motivational and business speakers also will present throughout the event.
Lycoming College, which has hosted the event for the past 27 years, offers a special scholarship to PFEW alumni.