EAST STROUDSBURG, PA—The PA Chamber Foundation joined East Stroudsburg University (ESU) students, faculty, and administration at an event this week to announce their joint engagement in the Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program. The program, which is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s EPIC initiative, is helping shape the development of collaborative workforce development solutions.
During the eight-week program, two cohorts of ESU students will work in teams to develop social media programs that will support student and educator engagement in the National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals. The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan competition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that encourages young Americans to engage in civics, contribute to their communities, and highlight their passion for civics education to their peers.
One student team will be tasked with developing a campaign for middle school students, encouraging them to participate in the competition; while the other student team will focus on middle school educators, encouraging them to teach Civics Bee-related lessons in their classrooms. Their recommendations will culminate in presentations and a comprehensive paper to an advisory committee of representatives from the PA Chamber Foundation, the U.S. Chamber Foundation, the state Department of Education, and the public relations firm Color & Culture.
“The Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation is thrilled to be engaging with East Stroudsburg University and have these bright, inspiring students care so deeply about the EPIC program,” PA Chamber Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Bolden said. “Their creativity and passion are sparking meaningful civic conversations among young Americans at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. As we approach America 250, their work is not only inspiring new ways of thinking and reaching broader audiences, it’s also encouraging educators to recognize the vital role civics must play in the classroom. This kind of innovation is exactly what the PA Chamber Foundation hopes to foster through EPIC.”
“Through the EPIC workforce development project, we empower students to engage deeply with real-world learning experiences, equipping them with essential business skills that transcend the classroom. As they develop practical expertise and confidence, they not only prepare for careers in business, but also open doors to limitless opportunities, proving that education is the foundation for a brighter future,” said Sylvester Williams, Dean of the College of Business and Management at ESU.
At the launch event, Bolden, school administrators, and ESU students shared the program’s objectives and expected outcomes. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, providing students with valuable skills and experiences that align with Pennsylvania’s job market needs.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.