At Penn-Trafford High School, students in the Introduction to Administration and Management course, taught by Ms. Kim Stefkovich, are gaining real-world business experience through a semester-long, hands-on project. This initiative challenges students across three class periods to design, market, and sell custom apparel, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting a chosen charity.
As part of the project, students take on various business roles- selecting a project manager, designing a logo and T-shirt, crafting a comprehensive marketing plan, and producing a promotional video. They are also responsible for managing sales, overseeing logistics, and ensuring successful execution from start to finish. The project is designed to replicate the dynamics of a real business environment while promoting teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.
Since the project’s launch, students have raised funds for a wide range of charitable organizations, including Make-A-Wish, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, ALS, Beverly’s Birthdays, the Travis Mills Foundation Heyward House and Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation.
This year’s campaign supported the Mario Lemieux Foundation, with proceeds benefiting Austin’s Playrooms. Students sold 609 items and donated an impressive $9,000 to the cause. The Lemieux Foundation supported the effort by promoting the campaign on its social media platforms, helping increase visibility and engagement.
The project also received vital logistical support from Big Frog of Greensburg, a local business that provided screenprinting, online retail, and shipping services.
“The students demonstrated a strong commitment to the project’s goals, contributing to both its educational value and charitable impact,” said Ms. Stefkovich. “Each year, they bring fresh ideas and creative strategies to help the project grow.”
Including this year, the class has exceeded $140,000 in donations since its inception in 2005.
Members of the 2nd-period class (with Jill Shipley in center): JJ Porter, Camden Kiste, Carter Vandrak, Olivia Smuch, McKenna Kimball, and Breslyn Pedersen
Members of the 5th-period class: Bryer Hamilton, Owen Gisi, Jesse Lisbon, Jack Weishaar, Blake Branthoover, Ms. Jill Shipley (from the foundation), Kendell Campbell, Liz Welsh, Cianna Culgan, Ben Hartman, and Tasso Whipple
Members of the 6th-period class present the check to Ms. Shipley: Roman Catello, Nolan O’Connell, Trevor Cava, Will Sarsfield, Ben Grabowski, Trent Brown, Bryana Bennett, Taylor Barrett, Abby Baughman, and Ava Ruane
Liz Welsh and Kendell Campbell join Ms. Stefkovich at the check presentation