The third week of Readiness Institute Summer Discovery connected learners with opportunities and pathways as close as their own neighborhoods and as far away as space. They rolled up their sleeves to work on service projects, welcomed speakers for meaningful conversations and self-reflection, and visited sites that sparked curiosity and inspiration.
This week, the community readiness skill was civic and community engagement and learners explored career pathways in nonprofits and social entrepreneurship.
Learners also continued to work on their Keystone Collective Impact group project, digging deeper into their chosen UN Sustainable Development Goal. Groups started to map out potential local solutions for their goals (like No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, etc.) and discuss how they can advocate for change in their schools and communities.
Civic Engagement Workshops
In Pittsburgh, guest speakers shared their personal and professional pathways and inspired students to lead a life of value. Chassidy Shaffer (VP of Workforce Development and College Access at CompleteU) encouraged learners to pursue their dreams and desires while helping them understand how to balance that with making money to support those goals. Floyd Cephas (Director of Prevention Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania) asked learners to consider different life perspectives and personal strengths along their life journey.
In the afternoon, Stacy Sterndale and Kayleen Sidisky from the Penn State Human Rights Initiative team joined learners for a workshop on “Discovering your Assets and Leadership in Difficult Situations and Your Community.” They led activities and discussions that got learners thinking and talking honestly about what it means to lead with empathy and values, and tackled tough issues in high schools like socio-economic disparities, racism, student violence, and xenophobia.
The Central PA cohorts also welcomed speakers and workshops with impactful messages. Tim Kretchman (Founder at Action Driven Education) shared background on his organization, which helps create learning experiences in special education, and talked to the learners about what it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset while making a difference in the community. Dr. Thomas Butler (Executive Director at AIU8) also chatted with learners about his community and career pathway.
Seth Mason (Founder and CMO at The ESport Company) joined students in the afternoon to talk about how he started his entrepreneur journey and what it takes to start a business — the failures, challenges, and many rewards.
Career Pathway Field Trips
For off-site trips this week, Pittsburgh learners visited two iconic sites — Moonshot Museum and Heinz History Center. At the Moonshot Museum, PA’s first space museum, learners checked out the innovative exhibits and programs and even had the opportunity to see the Griffin Lunar Lander currently under construction in the Astrobotic cleanroom. At the Heinz History Center, they got a deeper understanding of the stories and people that helped shaped Pittsburgh’s history.
Johnstown learners visited Vision Together 2025, a volunteer-driven organization centered around the vision of building a better community through strategic focus and the effort of local volunteers through Capture Teams. They heard from Robert Forcey (Executive Director) and Quan Britt (Community Development Director) and even joined a Zoom call with members from other organizations in the community.
In the afternoon, learners got to go to the Made in Johnstown makerspace and learned about the on-site equipment and technology that can be used to make prototypes and build and manufacture products, projects, and art. The group watched as the CNC router machine made two engraved boards — one with the IU8 logo and one with learner Ana’s name. They also got to make wooden key chains using the laser machine!
Over in Altoona, learners got a visit from Service Paws President Joe Fagnani (plus a bonus visit from his service dog, Phoebe!). They heard about the organization and the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals. Everyone was very excited at the end of the discussion for Phoebe to be let off-leash to come say hi!
Altoona learners also visited the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence for a tour and learned about the different college majors and skills that could lead to a career as an entrepreneur. While there, they got a deeper look at the Penn State Altoona Launchbox and heard about the Sheetz Fellows Program — where many learners said they could see themselves as a student!
“No idea is a bad business idea if you follow through and work toward your goal.” — Yvan, Central PA leaner
Later in the week, all Pittsburgh cohorts joined together for a trip to Penn State Greater Allegheny campus. They heard from the admissions team and faculty about applying to and attending any Penn State campus, had a discussion about current events, and got to tour some classrooms and student centers. Some of the sessions with faculty and staff:
- Katherine McLean (Associate Professor of Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice) led an engaging discussion about crime trends, gun sales, and how the Supreme Court has impacted these trends.
- Lawrence Dupak (Lecturer, Information Sciences and Technology (IST)) talked about IST — what is it, what can you major in, and what a career in IST entails.
- Kiera Mallet (Director of Field Education, Assistant Teaching Professor, Social Work) talked about social work and how social workers help people and gave examples of career opportunities that exist in that field.
Community Service Days
A highlight of the week for all learners was spending a day working together for a community service project. They got to take their civic engagement knowledge from the classroom out into the community and see how they can affect real change in their own backyards.
Pittsburgh learners spent the morning at Sunny’s Community Garden — a public space in the Hill District and a favorite each year of Summer Discovery. They worked together to plant flowers, pull weeds, paint fences, lay pavers, and perform other garden maintenance work. Sandi “Sunny” Welch also chatted with learners about nonprofit organizations and how the garden is a valuable resource to those in the neighborhood. In the afternoon, the groups headed over to Millvale to help out at 412 Food Rescue, a nonprofit that takes surplus food from retailers and provides to those who need it. There, learners helped with food preparation, chopping vegetables, and packing hundreds of meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
“When we were at the food bank, I felt like I actually helped people who are really in need. I feel like I was contributing to a good cause and I feel better about myself doing this.” — Cam, Pittsburgh Learner
The Altoona cohort got to spend some time mingling and having fun with some important community members during their service day at Blair Senior Services. They got to join residents for bingo, billiards, crafts, and exercise. Then, the group spent their afternoon volunteering at Horseshoe Curve Mountain Bike Trails, helping to develop a new trail section.
In Johnstown, learners spent their day with Greater Johnstown Youth League Clean-up at the local ball field and bike trails, picking up trash, cleaning out garbage bins, clearing the paths, and more. It was a great way to get involved in community improvement efforts and understand their civic responsibility.
Next week will dive into adaptability and change literacy, as well as career pathways in sustainability. The Central PA group will also hear from Penn State Extension and 4-H for a workshop on youth mental health.
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