As students entered the fourth week of Summer Discovery, their experiences centered on healthcare and wellness—both physical and mental—and the many career paths that make healthcare one of the most vital and varied fields in the world. From a full day visit to Penn State’s University Park campus to hands-on CPR training and mental health…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether walking alongside government leaders, advocating for policy change, or mentoring the next generation through the Readiness Institute, Fred Quinn is helping to shape a future where every voice matters and every student can make a difference.
The second annual PA Educators Rising State Conference included keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities for high school students to connect with college students, education professionals, and each other.
As many of the learners from our Readiness Institute Summer Discovery know, our connection doesn’t just end after the summer. We continue to stay in touch with learners when they go back for their senior year, after they graduate high school, and beyond. We’ve been checking in with some of the young adults who were a part of program and have now graduated high school and are on to their next steps of adulthood.
Let’s recognize the profound impact mentorship has on building resilience, fostering success, and propelling individuals forward, especially when it comes to Black leaders and educators.
As 2024 comes to a close, the team at the Readiness Institute is taking a moment to celebrate a year filled with connection and growth. Here are some of the highlights.