Are you unsure what you want for your future? Do you like working both independently and collaboratively?

Look no further, because Intermediate Unit 8 in Altoona is hosting a Readiness Institute Summer Discovery for rising high school seniors (current juniors). This five-week paid summer experience will offer stimulating and creative learning experiences that will provide students with many unique opportunities. Students will receive a stipend of $1,500 and a laptop to use while enrolled in the program.

The program will go from June 29th to July 31st, Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm. Only 24 students will be accepted into the program. Being accepted into this program requires a few things, such as a recommendation, a response about their future plans and/or passion and interests, and also the ability to attend the entirety of the program You can apply here.

The program is organized into two Cohorts (Bedford/Blair County Schools & Cambria/Somerset County Schools).

“This program helps students grow personally while building strong relationships with mentors and peers. Through hands-on experiences, participants develop skills that prepare them for success after high school, whether they choose college, career training, or entering the workforce.” states Mrs. Tracy Rains, Virtual Learning Specialist at IU8.

Even after the program ends, students can still gain skills like support through mentorship, additional learning opportunities, and connections with other students in the program’s network.

One of Bellwood’s own signed up and participated in this program just last year. Luke Gurekovich, a current Bellwood-Antis senior, was lucky enough to be selected, and he had no shortage of fun.

“I enjoyed the program because every day was a new adventure and learning opportunity. This program is an opportunity to meet others from different schools and form new friendships,” said Gurekovich

Gurekovich would recommend this program to others, as it gave him a great experience, and to work on his skill/abilities. He also shared one of his biggest takeaways from the program.

“The greatest take away from the program is that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know,’ as said by my instructor Len Hadock. This means that you should take initiative to get a better understanding for any such thing,” he said.