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Readiness Institute Blog

Exploring “The AI Effect” at the 55th World Affairs Institute

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
Justin Aglio and two students raising their hands during workshop game

The World Affairs Institute convenes students, educators, professionals, and civic leaders for a day of global dialogue and cross-sector learning.

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City of Pittsburgh Honors Justin Aglio for Visionary Leadership in Education

January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
Justin at Mayor's desk holding proclamation

The proclamation highlights Aglio’s more than two decades of impact in education, educational technology, and leadership and how this work continues to open doors for students across Pennsylvania and beyond.

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A Look Back at 2025 with the Readiness Institute

January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State

Over the past year, students and educators across Pennsylvania engaged in experiences that connected learning to real-world pathways, strengthened communities, and opened doors to what’s possible.

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Celebrating Five Years of Summer Discovery

August 21, 2025September 4, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
Summer Discovery students pose for a group photo on the bank of a river in Pittsburgh

Since launching in 2021, the Readiness Institute at Penn State’s Summer Discovery program has become a defining experience for hundreds of rising high school seniors in southwestern and southcentral Pennsylvania, opening doors to new opportunities, new perspectives, and new futures.

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Summer Discovery Week Five: Celebrating Growth, Community, and What’s Next

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
big group of Readiness Institute Summer Discovery students posing

As the final week of the Readiness Institute Summer Discovery program came to a close, students from Pittsburgh and Central PA reflected on five unforgettable weeks of growth, exploration, and connection.

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Summer Discovery Week Four: Health Care Pathways and College Possibilities

July 18, 2025July 21, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
Summer Discovery students pose with the We Are sign on the Penn State University Park campus

As students entered the fourth week of Summer Discovery, their experiences centered on health care and wellness—both physical and mental—and the many career paths that make health care one of the most vital and varied fields in the world.

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Summer Discovery Week Three: Exploring Clean Energy, Sustainability, and Community Impact

July 10, 2025July 11, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
group of students on green roof at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh skyline in background on sunny day

As the midpoint of the Summer Discovery program arrived, students from Pittsburgh, Altoona, and Johnstown channeled their energy into a week focused on building a better, more sustainable, and more connected future.

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Summer Discovery Week Two: Tech, Teaching, and Hands-On Learning

July 3, 2025July 10, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
big group of students posing at Penn State Greater Allegheny with the lion statue

It may have been a shorter week due to the Fourth of July holiday, but students in the Readiness Institute Summer Discovery program made the most of every moment.

Read More about "Summer Discovery Week Two: Tech, Teaching, and Hands-On Learning"

Summer Discovery 2025 Kicks Off with Inspiration, Learning, and Exploration

June 27, 2025July 21, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
Summer Discovery students listen to a speaker at the Energy Innovation Center

The Readiness Institute at Penn State officially launched the 2025 Summer Discovery program earlier this week—welcoming 64 rising high school seniors from across Pittsburgh and Central Pennsylvania.

Read More about "Summer Discovery 2025 Kicks Off with Inspiration, Learning, and Exploration"

Meet the Summer Discovery 2025 Instructors

June 17, 2025June 23, 2025 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
student group posing in classroom

These educators and mentors play a vital role in guiding students as they explore college and career pathways, engage in hands-on learning, and grow as leaders.

Read More about "Meet the Summer Discovery 2025 Instructors"
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Matt Caracappa
Assistant Director of Communications
Email: outreachnews@psu.edu

Latest Blog Posts

  • Exploring “The AI Effect” at the 55th World Affairs Institute
    March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
  • City of Pittsburgh Honors Justin Aglio for Visionary Leadership in Education
    January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
  • A Look Back at 2025 with the Readiness Institute
    January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 • by Readiness Institute at Penn State
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Media Mentions

IU8 partnering with Penn State on program for HS seniors

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 • by Bedford Gazette
Summer Discovery students pose with the We Are sign on the Penn State University Park campus

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (IU8) is proud to announce its partnership with Penn State Outreach to bring the Readiness Institute Summer Discovery program to rising high school seniors in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset counties. This five-week, paid learning experience is designed to prepare students for college, career, and life alongside a cohort of peers.

Read More about "IU8 partnering with Penn State on program for HS seniors"

Penn State connects with K-12 schools to enhance sustainability efforts

October 28, 2025January 5, 2026 • by Penn State News

The second annual Penn State K-12 Sustainability Summit was hosted by the Readiness Institute at Penn State and Penn State Sustainability.

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Penn State welcomes Pittsburgh students to get paid for college prep

May 27, 2025May 28, 2025 • by NEXTpittsburgh
student group posing in classroom

The Penn State Readiness Institute Summer Discovery program offers students a transformative experience prior to entering the doors of college.

Read More about "Penn State welcomes Pittsburgh students to get paid for college prep"
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