Hamburg Area High School rising juniors and seniors (classes of 2019 & 2018) have the opportunity to spend their upcoming summer at the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.
“Our students who have participated in the past have learned not only about the American free enterprise system, but about themselves- their likes, dislikes, talents, dreams,” said Hamburg Area School District Career Education Specialist Clare Kilpatrick Benz.
According to the program brochure, PFEW is “a unique and challenging program that provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about our free enterprise system.”
Benz explained that students learn about the components of a successful business, through spending a week at a college campus in Williamsport, PA. Depending upon the week chosen by the student, the college will be either Penn College of Technology or Lycoming College. They also learn about meeting new people, through both the structured programs during the day and the supervised social events during the evening such as volleyball competitions and pool parties.
“Hamburg Area students have participated in the highly structured, week-long program, by becoming part of a ‘company’ of approximately 19 students. Each company selects their own Chief Executive Officer/President, their own chief financial officer, marketing director, and other specialized jobs. They spend the week creating and marketing a product, then making a final presentation to business professionals (somewhat akin to “Shark Tank” on television),” said Benz.
Benz said this is a state-wide program, so students collaborate with students from across the Commonwealth.
“One of the very nice benefits is after participating in PFEW, graduates of the program qualify for either a $2,000 per year scholarship at Penn College of Technology, or a $5,000 per year scholarship at Lycoming College,” said Benz.
In order to participate, Benz explained that a student completes a short application available in her office. An application can be completed online at www.pfew.org. Once accepted, the student pays the registration fee, and the rest of the expenses are paid for by various companies.
“It may involve community members through donations made anonymously to support PFEW. This year, Berks County businesses made an even greater donation, so that for the entire week, a student pays only $100,” said Benz. “I don’t know of any other summer experience available for that low sum.”
Students interested in participating in the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, the Early Bird deadline (to ensure preferred week of attendance) is March 3. Final deadline is April 7. For more information or to apply, visit www.pfew.org.
