Take the Lead at PFEW 2026

Summer is just around the corner, and the excitement for Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 2026 is building. In just two short weeks, we will welcome over 1,900 high school students to Williamsport for their starring role in an unforgettable experience filled with business challenges, leadership development, new friendships, and life-changing opportunities. This month’s Pulse is packed with exciting updates as we make our final push toward PFEW 2026! Learn how you can support students through Erie Gives, help bring our Reality Fair experience to life as a volunteer, and meet some of the inspiring keynote speakers who will challenge students to Take the Lead this summer. We are also proud to celebrate our outstanding InvestWrite winners from The Stock Market Game program and the incredible accomplishments of students across Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,

The FFEE Staff

The PFEW Reality Fair is back for 2026, bringing students an exciting, hands-on financial literacy experience presented in partnership with Service 1st Federal Credit Union. Held during each week of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week in Williamsport, the Reality Fair challenges students to navigate real world financial decisions involving housing, transportation, insurance, budgeting, and more.

Volunteers play a starring role in this experience, helping guide students through interactive stations while offering encouragement, perspective, and real-world insight along the way. No financial background or special experience is required, just a willingness to connect with students and help them build confidence for the future.

Whether you are a longtime supporter or making your PFEW debut, volunteering at the Reality Fair is a meaningful and memorable way to make an impact this summer.

Meet the Headliners of PFEW 2026

Every great production needs a standout cast, and this summer’s PFEW keynote lineup is ready to take center stage. Throughout the summer, students will hear from accomplished leaders who bring powerful stories, real world experience, and valuable insight from industries spanning business, education, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and finance.

Meet the featured Keynote Speakers for PFEW 2026:

Week 1:

Sara Kallner, President,

Smith Provisions Co. Inc.

Week 2:

Charles “Chip” Edmonds, Ed.D., President,

Lycoming College

Week 3:

Hayley Painter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO,

Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt

Week 4 (Lycoming College):

Michael Thomas, President and CEO,

Service 1st Federal Credit Union

Week 4 (Penn College):

Austin Royer, Co-Founder and COO,

Gilson Snow, Inc.

These dynamic professionals are more than keynote speakers. They are innovators, trailblazers, and mentors who will challenge students to think bigger, lead boldly, and take the next step toward their future.

Big ideas. Powerful stories. Unforgettable moments.

That is the PFEW experience. 

A Lasting Investment in PA Students

PFEW Donors Change Lives

Behind the Scenes

Pictured here is Madden Dietrich (second row, far right), at PFEW 2025, Week 1, Company G1, in the Electronics Industry.

“I had the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable - something that has helped me grow both personally and professionally in just a few short days. It didn't take long for me to realize that this week was going to be something special. The staff, the volunteers, my company members, and especially our company advisors, made me feel welcome right away. I learned how to work with a team, lead discussions, solve problems under pressure, and think creatively - all things that I know will benefit me long after this program ends. PFEW also taught me more about leadership, communication, and confidence than I could've imagined. It helped me learn valuable life and business skills, build meaningful connections, and believe in what I can accomplish. It gave me a chance to grow, and that's something I will never forget.” – Madden Dietrich, Berks County, PFEW 2025 graduate

Behind every unforgettable PFEW experience is a community of supporters helping students step into the spotlight and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Stories like Madden’s are only possible because of donors, volunteers, and mentors who believe in the potential of Pennsylvania’s students. Your support helps provide transformational experiences that build confidence, leadership, career readiness, and lifelong connections.

As we prepare to welcome nearly 1,900 students to PFEW 2026, there is still time to make an impact. Whether your gift is $50 or $500, every contribution helps open the curtain on new opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.

Join us in helping the next generation find their confidence, discover their future, and take center stage.

Celebrating Pennsylvania’s

InvestWrite^® Stars

This spring, students across Pennsylvania took center stage through InvestWrite^®, the national essay competition connected to The Stock Market Game^TM. Designed to strengthen critical thinking, financial literacy, and authentic decision making, InvestWrite^® challenges students to apply what they have learned in thoughtful and creative ways.

We were thrilled to surprise several outstanding Pennsylvania students with the news of their incredible accomplishments, including state champions, national finalists, and top 10 national winners. From middle school to high school, these students showcased the talent, creativity, and future ready skills that programs like The Stock Market Game^TM help inspire.

Watch the unforgettable moments as these students learned they were among the best in the state and nation:



Emily Mallard, 1^st place in PA - Arcola Intermediate School

https://youtu.be/5gE9abkEwVA

Caleb Hansen, 1^st place in PA and 7^th place nationally – Hershey HS

https://youtu.be/fLlKC5ABrgw

Erin Ryan, 2^nd in PA and 4^th place nationally & Cameron Monaco, 1^st place in PA and 2^nd place nationally – Unionville Elementary School

https://youtu.be/LFS_0tp05sw

Congratulations to all of our Pennsylvania winners!