Schuylkill Chamber Foundation

05/20/2026

💪Yesterday, the Leadership Class of 2026 completed their class project. The projected benefited Hillside SPCA!

The class revamped the walking path. That means no more muddy messes during rainy days for their staff, volunteers and pups!

Congratulations on a job well-done, Class of 2026!

05/15/2026

04/23/2026

Young entrepreneurs awarded for business ventures at IGNITE Schuylkill: https://www.republicanherald.com/2026/04/23/young-entrepreneurs-awarded-for-business-ventures-at-ignite-schuylkill/

ORWIGSBURG — Seven high school entrepreneurs were recognized for their efforts to launch original businesses at the annual IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program on Wednesday.

The 16-week program, hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, culminated in a presentation at the Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall that drew about 80 people. Students pitched six ambitious projects spanning a variety of community needs — including pastries, reptile care, gene-editing technology and film — and were awarded startup money from the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, which they will use for their postsecondary education and entrepreneurial plans.

04/23/2026

Youth Summit prepares students for roles in community, nonprofits: https://www.republicanherald.com/2026/04/20/youth-summit-prepares-students-for-roles-in-community-nonprofits/

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Nearly 100 area high school students participated in the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit on Monday, an interactive learning experience about nonprofits, community service and the county’s future.

The event, held at Penn State Schuylkill, is designed to build future leaders in the local workforce, government and communities and to open their eyes to the myriad opportunities available to them in Schuylkill County after graduating from high school.

04/15/2026

💪The Schuylkill Leadership Class of 2026 is off and running!

Schuylkill Leadership is a ten-session program dedicated to developing and nurturing leadership within Schuylkill County.

2026 Schuylkill Leadership Students:
Johnathon Albrecht, The Perception Training Center, Inc. -Perception Early Learning, Montessori
Tiffany Bayer, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill
Nicole Beltz - Wegmans
Stan Boris - Wegmans
Kelyn Eichenberg - Quandel Construction Group, LLC
Karen Fink - Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM)
Adam Frantz - Norsk Hydro
Joseph Karmazin - Miller Bros. Construction, Inc.
Hunter Kerstetter - Miller Bros. Construction, Inc.
Brandon Kutz - Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM)
Paige Lengel - Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne
Dwain Lengle - Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM)
Isabella Lentini - Avenues
Marisa Marmas - Reading Anthracite Company
William Pegler - Heim Construction Co. Inc.
Jeanie Purcell - Schuylkill United Way
Jennifer Pyzowski - Tompkins Community Bank
Kimberly Schoffler - Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM)
Kyle Sitlinger - Sterman Masser, Inc. Potato Farms
Matthew Sullivan - EMD Electronics
Renee Warner - Lowe's RDC #961

This year's program is proudly sponsored by Sterman Masser, Inc. Potato Farms.

04/10/2026

Second annual Schuylkill Civics Bee sends three students to statewide competition: https://www.republicanherald.com/2026/04/10/second-annual-schuylkill-civics-bee-sends-three-students-to-statewide-competition/

This local competition, hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, serves as a stepping stone to the National Civics Bee held annually in Washington D.C., which is organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The bee aims to spur young citizens — specifically, students in grades six through eight — to engage in civics and understand the importance of community involvement.

“Through this competition we are not only promoting greater civic knowledge across Pennsylvania, but also celebrating the civic pride that makes communities like Schuylkill County so very special,” said Bob Carl, President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

02/02/2026

📆Due to the widespread impact of the winter storms, including school closures, postal service delays, and power and internet outages, we are implementing a nationwide extension of the 2026 essay submission period. Middle school students in grades 6-8 now have additional time to submit their essays and join thousands of students competing to represent their communities and states.
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Reminder: The 2026 National Civics Bee is open to all 50 states, D.C., and American Samoa. There is no cost to apply. Prizes include cash awards, recognition, and a $100,000 education savings plan for the national champion.

👇Application link is included in the comments

10/23/2025

🚀 Applications for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program close October 31!

Are you a high school student with big ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit? The IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program is a 16-week experience designed to help young innovators turn their ideas into action.

Participants will learn from local business leaders, gain hands-on skills, and build the confidence to launch their own ventures. Classes will take place on Penn State Schuylkill’s campus, where inspiration meets real-world opportunity.

Apply today! This is where Schuylkill County’s next generation of entrepreneurs begins their journey.

💡 Apply at the link in the comments.

07/10/2025

🚨Many of our members have shared with us how the lack of accessible child care options in Schuylkill County impact talent recruitment, hiring efforts and ability to retain their work workforce. Parents who want to work are on waiting lists that range from months to three years. Our child care providers struggle day after day to keep their teachers due to low wages and lack of benefits.

Since 2019, Schuylkill County has LOST 20 percent of its child care facilities. We can't afford to lose more.

We've been working with a coalition of 72 local chambers and economic development organizations across Pennsylvania. If you are not aware, on a bipartisan vote (113-90) in the PA House, a bill to recruit and retain child care teachers passed.

We continue to urge lawmakers to include Governor Shapiro’s proposed $55 million investment in the FY25-26 budget to support early childhood teacher recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania. This funding would help stabilize the child care sector, which is essential to Pennsylvania’s broader workforce and economy.

🚨THIS IS IMPORTANT! We have reason to believe that Pre-K and the child care recruitment and retention initiative funding ARE IN JEOPARDY as Governor Shapiro has proposed in his State Budget. Please click the link in the comments below, and strongly consider taking the action steps outlined on the Take Action Page to notify policymakers how important this funding is!

You can also click the second link in the comments to see the whole release and notice from the PennAEYC Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Start Strong PA, and Pennsylvania Child Care Association


Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania