The Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), which serves to educate our youth about business and future employment opportunities right here in our community. This award-winning program provides a unique, hands-on learning experience that helps students develop the vital skills businesses like yours need to succeed. This summer, 11 high school students from the Souderton Area School district joined over 2,000 students from across the state to participate in the 40th annual PFEW summer program held in Williamsport.
At PFEW, students form management teams of approximately eighteen students and run their own manufacturing company, competing against other student companies. Throughout the week, world class speakers address the students on a wide variety of topics germane to the business world and their personal and professional development. It is not only a powerful educational experience, it can be positively life-changing. Here are several quotes from students who attended this year’s program:
“PFEW changed me in so many ways, I learned new things and met new people. I now look at business from a whole new angle, I am now able to understand the financial aspects and the marketing aspects. I really got into the marketing areas, its where I felt I was best, but I learned a lot form the financial and the budgeting areas too. The speakers gave me new perspectives on life and business. I met so many new people and I still keep in touch with everyone I’ve met there including my company advisor. PFEW will forever be one of my favorite experiences. “ – Haley Tyson
“I loved PFEW. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It made me realize how important networking and making connections are. The staff are very nice and are willing to go the extra mile for you. I highly recommend going to PFEW for whoever is contemplating it.” – Jacob Bealer
“PFEW was my first experience going away from home. I was so excited for this opportunity and it was everything and more. PFEW opened my mind to see how the business world really works. I saw how projects take a lot of time and effort. Building connections with my team and advisor was more than I expected. I created long lasting relationships, the speakers were amazing and I learned a lot about myself. I would recommend any students interested in business or think they are interested should go.” – Aldair Tomas
PFEW is taught entirely by volunteer practitioners from the PA business community, and each year, over 200 volunteers are needed to put on this world-class program. Students attend via a $625 scholarship donated by a local business, foundation, civic organization or individual. To get involved as a donor or volunteer, or to discover more about PFEW, visit their website at www.pfew.org, or call Scott Lee at 814-833-9576.