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. What began as a summer program quickly became a community—full of new friendships, career inspiration, and moments that shaped how students see themselves and their futures.
In week five, students explored the future career pathway of entrepreneurship and the community readiness skill of civic and community engagement. From creating their own podcasts and learning how the region is contributing to lunar exploration, to hearing directly from local leaders and business owners, students saw the power of using their voice and vision to make an impact. It was a week that celebrated creativity, leadership, and the many ways students can contribute to their communities, now and in the future.
Pittsburgh Highlights
Pittsburgh students wrapped up their summer with a dynamic week that blended creativity, real-world insight, and future planning. Whether stepping into a theater or a tech lab, every experience helped students see their potential from new perspectives and connect their passions to purpose.
- Pittsburgh Public Theater: Students toured the theater, got a behind-the-scenes look at set and costume design, and participated in acting exercises with Jenny Malarkey, Kyle Haden, and Drew Brody.
- Moonshot Museum and Astrobotic: At this working space lab, students explored Pittsburgh’s role in lunar technology and met with engineers and designers involved in real-world space missions.
- Fantasy Zellars, Entrepreneur: Fantasy shared her personal journey through marketing, entrepreneurship, and self-confidence—encouraging students to think about turning their passions into businesses.
- Penn College Clean Energy Center at 7800 Susquehanna: Students toured the state-of-the-art workforce training center, learned about sustainable construction and energy careers, and heard from Jason Embick (Clean Energy Center), Karen Benner (Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation), and Roderick Ramsey (Bridgeway Capital).
- SLB Radio: At this student-friendly media studio, students recorded their own podcast segments after learning about scriptwriting, storytelling, and the power of voice.
“I learned that acting is more than just being on the stage and there’s a lot of ways you can express yourself that are very unique. It was an interesting way to analyze how the characters behave and understand why they’re doing it.”
– Ian, on Pittsburgh Public Theatre
“I had a very good time here at Astrobotic. All the interactive activities were really fun. I learned that the space race is starting again in Pittsburgh, and I think it’s really cool to learn about a new industry that I didn’t know was in Pittsburgh actually. And seeing them make the spacecraft…that’s really cool. It really showed me there’s a lot of things that can go into the space industry.”
– Tejas, on Astrobotic/Moonshot Museum
“I discovered a lot about the audio technical stuff with broadcasting. I loved it. I think they made it very accessible to get into it. Made it very interesting and intriguing even if it wasn’t something you were initially thinking about.”
– Michael, on SLB Radio
Central PA Highlights
In Central PA, students ended the program immersed in spaces where innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership intersect. Through hands-on experiences and conversations with local changemakers, they saw how their interests could shape not just a career—but a community.
- Windber Research Institute: Students toured the molecular biology lab, observed RNA and DNA research in action, and learned about the impact of biobanks in medical research.
- Natural Fit LLC: At this wellness center, Jamie Augustine guided students through a session focused on wellness, self-reflection, and goal-setting.
- Bottle Works: Students engaged in a painting workshop that combined creativity with self-expression in a community arts space.
- Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico: Students heard firsthand from the mayor about leadership, civic engagement, and what it means to invest in the future of your own hometown.
- The Columns and Centre City Market: Entrepreneur Chris Cook shared his journey restoring local buildings and growing businesses in downtown Altoona. Students saw how business ownership can contribute to neighborhood revitalization.
- The Clay Cup: At this pottery and coffee shop, owner Sarah Garber showed students how a small business can bring creativity and community together.
- Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence: Students toured the Sheetz Center and learned about the Sheetz Fellows Program, a leadership and entrepreneurship experience for Penn State Altoona students.
The week ended with all Central PA students coming together for a picnic by the lake, with volleyball, kickball, cornhole, and a special talent show.
“They break down all the different steps to find cancer cells. It was cool.”
– Sara, on the Windber Research Institute
“I loved painting with my friends.”
– Caitlyn, on Bottleworks
Community Design Challenge Presentations
Throughout the summer, students collaborated in small groups on a Community Design Challenge using the BUILD model, applying what they learned to propose real solutions to a challenge posed by this year’s client, Sustainable Pittsburgh. Their ideas ranged from marketing campaigns to public events to new ways to incentivize sustainable transportation, like a student-designed bus pass program. Groups presented their solutions during the final day celebration, demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and a deep understanding of civic and community engagement.
Final Day Celebration
To close out the program, students from both regions came together for one last time to share their experiences and celebrate everything they accomplished. The day kicked off with a Q&A panel with past Summer Discovery students, Chiara, Maddie, Audrey, and Julia, talking about their lives after the program, including college life, time management, mental health, and their advice for the future.
“Cherish your senior year. Keep up with your hobbies and the things and people you love.”
– Julia (Summer Discovery, 2023)
“Learn to manage your time. Set a strong foundation of time management and good habits.”
– Audrey (Summer Discovery, 2023)
“Know that you belong right where you are and that you worked hard to get there.”
– Maddie (Summer Discovery, 2022)
“Know your worth. Try your best. Always be the strong person that you know you are.”
– Chiara (Summer Discovery, 2021)
The day included a series of reflection activities to help students process their growth over the past five week, advice from instructors, and a presentation from junior instructors, Dani, Chiara, Maddy, and Nick, who shared their college experience and encouraged students to get involved in things like clubs, sports, research, and networking.
Isaac Leonard from Penn State Admissions also joined the celebration to share valuable insights on navigating the college admissions process, including tips on financial aid, scholarships, and resources available both at Penn State and beyond.
Our 2025 students left the day with certificates, photos, and big hugs—but also with a sense of confidence in what comes next. The Readiness Institute Summer Discovery program may have concluded for the year, but the friendships, memories, and lessons will stay with students long after the summer ends.
Photo Galleries
Pittsburgh
Central PA
Final Day
