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.
The theme for week three centered on two powerful ideas: renewable energy as a future career pathway and sustainability as a community readiness skill. Through hands-on workshops, immersive field trips, and community service days, students explored the power of innovation, collaboration, and care for their communities.
Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, students kicked off the week by meeting with professionals working at the forefront of renewable energy and sustainability. Their conversations helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Classroom highlights
Exus — Dhaval Bhalodia, Om Modi, and Miles Brkovich shared insights into their careers and the company’s global clean energy projects. Students learned about data analysis, engineering, and operations within the renewable sector and saw how their own STEM interests could align with careers that help the planet.
Sustainable Pittsburgh — Led by Bhavani Patel, John Ukenye, and Martin Eddy Harvey, this session invited students to reflect on their “dream jobs” and introduced the Clean Energy Career Map, a dynamic tool that breaks down roles in renewable energy manufacturing and construction. They were also joined by Ashley Clawson, Purchasing Manager at DMI Companies, who helped bring one of the map careers to life by sharing her journey in supply chain management and its role in supporting the green economy.
EcoTone Renewables — Kyle Wyche, co-founder and COO of EcoTone, talked about how a combination of his passions and a study abroad trip to the Amazon rainforest inspired his environmental mission. He introduced students to ZEUS, EcoTone’s food-waste digester located outside the Energy Innovation Center, demonstrating how technology and sustainability can work together to benefit local communities.
Field Trips
David L. Lawrence Convention Center — Students took part in a tour highlighting the facility’s green design and sustainable food practices.
S&B USA Construction — Staff shared their personal career journeys and the company’s focus on sustainability in construction.
Allegheny County Parks, Office of Sustainability — Students learned how green spaces are maintained and enhanced to serve people and the environment alike.
“I learned a lot. It was very interesting to me because I’m interested in architecture. It was interesting to see the different architecture in the building—how they don’t really use pillars, they use pipes to hold the building up, and the different way the air flows in from the river and from the city. It really sat well with me.”
– Tavon
“I discovered something today. I love clean energy.”
– Alonah
“This program gets me out of the house and allows me to do things. If I didn’t do this program, I would just do work and go home.”
– Kalynn
“It was cool to see the solar panels in person.”
– Granison
Visit to Penn State Behrend
At the end of the week, Pittsburgh students hit the road to visit Penn State Behrend, one of the largest Commonwealth campuses in the Penn State system.
Students received a warm welcome from the admissions team before setting off on a scenic campus tour, followed by lunch in the dining hall, a student Q&A panel, and a hands-on visit to the Plastics Engineering Technology lab. In the lab, students explored polymer molding, impact testing, and the real-world applications of engineering—getting a glimpse into one of Behrend’s nationally recognized academic programs.
The visit also gave students time to reflect on what kind of college environment might be right for them—from campus size and support services to clubs and community.
The trip wrapped up with a group photo at the Nittany Lion Shrine, capping off a day of discovery, inspiration, and possibility.
These types of visits are a cornerstone of Summer Discovery’s mission: to help students picture themselves thriving on a college campus and to help them explore options that align with their personal goals and interests.
“The atmosphere was very open and welcoming. The food choices were amazing. I want to attend Behrend because it’s far enough from home for a dorm and in the country. There’s walking, but it’s not hiking to get around campus. They offer many clubs and the programs I like.”
– Jayden
“Because it’s a medium-sized campus, you have the chance to build better relationships with professors for internships and help. That’s what makes the campus so favorable. The availability of the rec center, therapists, and study help are good for students new to the area and the college experience.”
– David
“It was a beautiful tour. We got to see a lot of the colleges and buildings, and what stuck with me was the plastic lab. We saw a bunch of cool plastic molding and how they test the plastics for impact. I think that really resonates with me because I’m trying to go into the engineering side and that gave me a brand-new outlook on what’s available for me.”
– Vamshi
Central PA
In Altoona and Johnstown, the Central PA cohort took a local approach to career exploration and community readiness, with a focus on sustainability, emotional well-being, and workforce exposure.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
In a world where emotional well-being is just as important as academic and career success, Central PA students spent time this week building one of the most essential readiness skills: the ability to support mental health.
With support from Matt Crutchman and Cynthia Pollich from Penn State Extension 4-H, students participated in Teen Mental Health First Aid, a nationally recognized training program designed to help young people recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their peers.
Through engaging discussions, real-life scenarios, and practical tools, students learned how to approach conversations about mental health with empathy and confidence. The training emphasized when and how to seek help from trusted adults, how to reduce stigma, and how to be a source of support during challenging times.
The experience not only strengthened students’ emotional intelligence and communication skills but also empowered them to become leaders and advocates for well-being in their schools, families, and future workplaces. For many, it was a reminder that showing up for others is a critical part of building stronger, healthier communities.
“I felt very intrigued about the different things mental health consists of. I learned who can be considered trusted adults and the different people we can talk to. The thing that stood out most to me was the 5-step action plan and how we don’t always have to stick to it.”
– Gabby
“I’m grateful for learning different ways to help people in crisis.”
– Gracie
Field Trips
McCartney’s Inc. — Students explored business operations and environmentally responsible practices.
JWF Industries — Introduced students to careers in advanced manufacturing and biotechnology.
CAB Products and Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped — Students saw how inclusive employment empowers individuals with disabilities while supporting local industries.
Altoona Curve — A fun and educational visit behind the scenes of a community-driven sports organization.
LAMPIRE Biological Laboratories — Students toured the lab and farm to see how biotechnology supports global health care and scientific research.
“I never knew what CAB was or what they did. It was an amazing experience.”
– Bry
“It’s eye opening to see people go to college for one thing, but then end up spending their lives doing something else.”
– Alex
“I enjoyed getting to experience new places that are related to the field I want to study.”
– Maddie
“I learned that in order to save and sustain the planet, we as people need to find initiatives and solutions to help the cause.”
– Tiffany
About the Altoona Curve visit:
“It’s really interesting how many people are running behind the scenes to make games and operations run smoothly.”
– Brayden
“It’s impressive the number of internships that turned into careers with the Altoona Curve.”
– Andrew
Days of Service Across Regions
No matter where they were this week, students made time to give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Through physical work, conversations, and simple acts of service, students experienced the importance of contributing to the spaces and people around them.
Service Locations in Pittsburgh
- 412 Food Rescue — Students packed and sorted food as part of the Good Food Project, which distributes food to local families in need.
- Sunny’s Community Garden — Teams worked side by side to create garden beds, plant flowers, paint tables, and brighten the space.
On 412 Food Rescue:
“It gave me a sense of how the process of volunteering actually happens and gave me an interest in helping and making an impact on others, in this case through food and community. I’ve always been interested in nonprofit work and this gave me a sense of getting into that.”
– Ryder
“Being here today really helped me because it showed me a lot about food waste and how food can be used again to give to people and to make meals. I really want to be a chef when I get older so it was kind of helpful to work in an environment outside of kitchens and restaurants.”
– Ziann
“In simple words, I feel really amazing because honestly the food I see here is actually from a farm just one mile from my house. Just helping out the community is just so amazing and the Penn State Readiness Institute is allowing me to do that on a larger scale than ever before.”
– Vamshi
“It means getting to provide for the community and it just feels amazing being able to help out. I’ve had people help me in times of need before, and it feels great being able to give back to the community.”
– Kaleb
On Sunny’s Community Garden:
“Seeing the green in the grass made me feel good, more at peace, more than the city would. The dirt was fresh like the air that I breathe. It gave me a chance to connect, to be me.”
– Kalynn
“I think it’s important to teach kids to give back to their community because you take a lot out of it and when you give back it’s just very rewarding and it’ll set you up for a better future.”
– Nora
“I think that it’s been really great to see we have a community in my neighborhood, and to see how close everyone’s gotten during this.”
– Marley
Service Locations in Central PA
- Blair Senior Services — Students spent the day with older adults, playing games like bingo and pool, sharing stories, and doing art projects.
- The ARC of Blair County — Helped enhance the facility that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by painting and landscaping around the property.
- Cambria County Backpack Project — Students painted rooms and helped with a mural to brighten the facility used to support food-insecure youth.
“I became one with the wall today. I spilled paint all over myself but had fun doing it.”
– Steph
“Today showed me how much we can get done when we split into groups and tackle different projects as we work together.”
– Kendal
“It felt really good to see the smiles on the faces of the senior citizens as they interacted with us and showed us their card games. I also really enjoyed playing bingo with them.”
– Theo
Looking Ahead
With three weeks already done, Summer Discovery students are starting to connect the dots between their interests and the impact they want to make. Whether it’s building a career in renewable energy, supporting mental health in their communities, or simply learning how to lead with empathy, they’re stepping into the future with curiosity and confidence.
Stay tuned for more stories from week four and follow along on Instagram at @RIatPennState for updates, student reflections, and behind-the-scenes highlights.
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Pittsburgh
Central PA
