Every Summer Discovery experience is shaped by the people who lead it.
Throughout the five-week program, participants explore career pathways, develop future-ready skills, and build relationships with professionals and peers from across the region. Along the way, they are guided by a team of educators and mentors who encourage them to try new things and step outside their comfort zones.
This year’s instructional team includes both familiar faces and new additions, bringing together years of experience, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to helping students make the most of their summer while discovering what’s possible for their future.
Before Summer Discovery 2026 begins, get to know the instructors and junior instructors who will help bring the experience to life.
Carly Broucher
Chemistry Teacher, Somerset Area High School
This is your fourth year with Summer Discovery. What keeps you coming back?
What keeps me coming back is seeing students grow in such a short amount of time. It is rewarding to watch students step outside of their comfort zones, try new experiences, and start seeing possibilities for their future that they may not have considered before.
What are you most excited for students to experience this summer?
I’m most excited for students to experience the off-site visits and make connections between what they learn during on-site sessions and the real world. There are so many opportunities to see careers, meet professionals, and realize there are many different paths to success.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I originally earned a degree in criminal justice. I worked several years before realizing I wanted to do something else, so I went back to school to teach chemistry.
What was your dream job when you were in high school?
My dream job in high school was to become a lawyer.
What is your favorite Summer Discovery memory?
There are so many memories, it’s hard to choose just one, so I’ll say my favorite is learning alongside the students and other instructors, but if you ask Mr. Nik, he’d say it was the day I received a veggie sub for lunch. It’s a good story…when he tells it!
What’s one intangible thing students should bring with them this summer?
Bring curiosity. Ask questions, try new things, and be open to experiences that might feel unfamiliar. Some of the best opportunities come from being willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Mr. Nik
Health and Physical Education Teacher, Central Cambria High School
This is your fourth year with Summer Discovery. What keeps you coming back?
This is my fourth year and it’s my co-ops that keep me coming back. I also enjoy meeting new ambitious students, anxious to start their senior year.
What are you most excited for students to experience this summer?
I am most excited to listen to the future plans of our incoming seniors. I also am looking forward to the insight students have from our field experiences.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
Students may be surprised at my age. I am very immature for 54.
What was your dream job when you were in high school?
My dream job in high school was to be a forest ranger.
What is your favorite Summer Discovery memory?
My favorite Summer Discovery memory was when a student who seemed to have no interest in one of the field experiences job shadowed at that very place her senior year.
What’s one intangible thing students should bring with them this summer?
I personally think students should bring open-mindedness.
Len Haduck
American History Teacher, Altoona Area Junior High School
This is your fourth year with Summer Discovery. What keeps you coming back?
Being an instructor with the Summer Discovery Program is the “Best Job Ever!” I keep coming back because you never have the same day twice, because of the opportunity to meet new students and watch their growth, and to reconnect with the fantastic people that have grown this program into a valuable life experience for the young and slightly older alike.
What are you most excited for students to experience this summer?
I am excited for the students to learn with and about others as well as themselves.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I have only ever had one summer “off” in the 30 years I’ve been teaching. I spent most of those summers working construction until I landed “The Best Job Ever.”
My number one classroom rule is “Just show up” and number two is “Never do drugs.”
What was your dream job when you were in high school?
When I was in high school, I wanted to have my own hunting and fishing show.
What is your favorite Summer Discovery memory?
There are so, so, so many. Although it is so hard to choose, I would choose the end-of-program picnic last summer.
What’s one intangible thing students should bring with them this summer?
An open mind and a willingness to ask yourself, “What if?”
Nicole Hillegas
Fourth Grade Teacher, Everett Area School District
This is your third year with Summer Discovery. What keeps you coming back?
This is my third year. I keep coming back because this is an amazing program and it is staffed with some of the best colleagues I have ever worked with. I love learning new things and I am excited to see what the students will get to discover this summer.
What are you most excited for students to experience this summer?
I think it is interesting for the new students to see what opportunities are available for them in their geographical areas. I am excited for them to make connections with some peers. I also enjoy seeing the cohesion process take place each year with each new cohort.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I don’t have too many hidden talents. I’m not sure I have any, to be honest. I love to read and, most recently, I have been coloring with those cool alcohol markers. It’s a good stress reliever.
What was your dream job when you were in high school?
I would have loved to have been a newscaster or a host on QVC! As an adult, a dream job would be to own a venue where people could get married and to help them plan their special day.
What is your favorite Summer Discovery memory?
Oh my, there are so many wonderful memories. I loved needle pulling with wool at the Bottle Works. I loved the art lessons at Saint Francis University. I loved the day we spent catching water critters and holding turtles last summer in Altoona. I love all the tours we take and the things we learn.
What’s one intangible thing students should bring with them this summer?
A great attitude and a sense of adventure.
Maddy Kim
Junior Instructor
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Early Childhood and Special Education; Graduated May 2026
This is your second summer as a junior instructor. What made you want to come back for another summer with this program?
I wanted to come back because this program helped me grow as an educator. I built strong relationships with both the students and my coworkers. I also really enjoyed the team environment; we all worked well together and had a blast doing so. I’m excited to continue to learn and contribute more to my team this year!
What are you most excited for students to experience this summer?
I’m excited for all the students to learn more about themselves through the many opportunities provided to them throughout this program. Lots of memories are going to be made this summer!
What are you currently reading, watching, and/or listening to?
I’m currently watching the TV series Lost.
What is your dream job after graduation?
My dream job is to have my own classroom and make a difference.
What’s one thing every student should remember as they start Summer Discovery this summer?
They should remember that this is an opportunity to learn more about themselves and who they want to be and what they want to do. They should be open-minded and willing to try new things.
Leah Hostler
Junior Instructor
Penn State, Secondary Education Social Studies; Senior
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Summer Discovery?
I am looking forward to making new connections and being a mentor to students.
What are you currently reading, watching, and/or listening to?
I am currently watching America’s Sweethearts and Love Island.
What is your dream job after graduation?
My dream job is teaching college courses or having an influential role within education administration.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your high school self?
Always advocate for yourself.