As high schoolers, we’re constantly told to “prepare for the real world.” But what does that actually look like? Most of us won’t find out until after graduation. However, there is a way to get a massive head start—and it involves spending a week on a college campus, running a multi-million dollar company, and competing for “stock” in a high-stakes business simulation.
Welcome to Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW).
What is PFEW?
Presented by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, PFEW is a week-long summer immersion program held at Lycoming College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. It’s designed specifically for current sophomores and juniors who want to see what it’s actually like to be the boss.
The program isn’t a typical summer school. Instead of sitting through lectures, you are placed into a “company” of about 16 to 18 other students from across Pennsylvania. Together, you take over an underperforming manufacturing company. Your mission? Turn it around and make it profitable.
What Do You Actually Do?
The core of the week is the BizSim Competition, a college-level computer simulation where your team makes every major decision for your company over 12 simulated “quarters” (three years of business). You’ll decide:
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The Price: What will people pay for your product?
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The Budget: How much should you spend on marketing vs. research and development?
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The Vibe: Your team will create a full-scale advertising campaign, including a website, a floor presentation, and even a TV commercial.
You aren’t doing this alone. Each team is paired with a Company Advisor—a real-world business executive who takes a week off work to mentor you. These aren’t teachers; they are CEOs, managers, and entrepreneurs who give you the inside scoop on how the professional world really works.
The “College Life” Experience
One of the best parts of PFEW is the independence. You live in the college dorms, eat in the dining halls, and navigate a campus for a week. It’s the perfect “test drive” for college life. Between the business meetings, you’ll hear from world-class motivational speakers and participate in “Reality Fairs” and late-night social activities.
Why Should You Join?
If you’re thinking, “I’m not a business person,” think again. PFEW needs artists for the ad campaigns, writers for the business plans, “techies” for the website design, and leaders to manage the team.
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The Resume Boost: PFEW is a prestigious addition to any college or job application. It shows you have leadership, teamwork, and ethics.
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The Money: Every student who completes the program is automatically eligible for scholarships to the host colleges (Lycoming and Penn College), often worth thousands of dollars.
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The Cost: While the program costs nearly $1,800 per student to run, you don’t pay that. Local businesses and civic groups sponsor almost the entire cost. Students are only responsible for a $295 registration fee (and financial aid is available for those who need it).
How to Apply
Applications are open now for Summer 2026. Since the program is first-come, first-served, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting your preferred week.
The Details:
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Who: Current Sophomores and Juniors.
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Where: Williamsport, PA (Lycoming College or Penn College).
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When: Four different weeks are available in June and July.
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Website: www.pfew.org
Don’t spend your whole summer on the couch. Head over to the PFEW website, talk to your guidance counselor, and see if you have what it takes to run the show. One week can literally change your future.
