EmpowerED Program Provides Hands-on Experience for 25 High School Students

The University of Pennsylvania Athletics recently highlighted a news release from the Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship about the EmpowerED Program. This program is designed to provide experiential education opportunities to 25 high school students, including five students from the Mayor Moran's Summer Youth Program. The students gained hands-on experience in marketing, economic development, finance, and innovation. Through the program, they were divided into four groups to specialize in their respective areas, including community and economic development, finance, and marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• The EmpowerED Program is a career connections program designed by the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, providing hands-on experience for high school students.
• The program offers experiential learning opportunities in marketing, economic development, finance, and innovation, with a focus on building essential skills for the future.
• 25 high school students participated in the program, including five from the Mayor Moran's Summer Youth Program.
• Students gained insights into their strengths and career interests, while developing practical skills for the professional world.
• The program's participants worked on real-world projects, making a meaningful impact on local businesses and the community.
• Students in the EmpowerED Program and those in Mayor Moran's Summer Youth Program gained hands-on experiences in marketing, community and economic development, finance, and innovation through August 22.

Participants of the program included:

• Edelheid Torres, a student from Reading High School, who stated that working at O'Pake had enhanced her skills and allowed her to apply all her skills, enhance her creativity, and work collaboratively with new people and organizations.
• City of Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, who expressed his pride in championing the program, stating that it provides real, hands-on experience for young people in city government and beyond.