IGNITE Schuylkill

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

Name: Phoebe Rhen & Kayleigh Reichert
School: Blue Mountain High School
Business Idea: Phoebee’s Pastries

Phoebe and Kayleigh, two driven seniors from Blue Mountain High School, are turning a common frustration into a business opportunity. After years of traveling long distances for high-quality desserts, they created Phoebee’s Pastries, a Cass Township-based bakery focused on delivering fresh, crave-worthy treats right here in Schuylkill County.

Phoebee’s Pastries will specialize in non-cake desserts like gooey whoopie pies, flaky croissants, and rotating daily specials to ensure peak freshness. Their menu will also feature comfort favorites like grilled cheese and tomato soup, alongside a full coffee bar with both classic brews and creative seasonal flavors.

With a strong focus on social media trends and modern marketing, Phoebe and Kayleigh aim to attract both locals and visitors while setting themselves apart from traditional bakeries. Their pickup and delivery model, open Tuesday through Friday, will create 8–10 local jobs and serve as a welcoming community hub. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, they are committed to supporting the regional economy while delivering the desserts Schuylkill County deserves.

Looking ahead, Kayleigh plans to pursue training as a lineman while Phoebe will study business at Penn State Schuylkill. Together, they plan to launch Phoebee’s Pastries after graduation, using their education to build a strong and sustainable business.

🎥 Watch the interview below.

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22 starting at 5:30 PM for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event. There is still time to register, don’t miss your chance to support these incredible students as they pitch their ideas and compete for scholarships and startup funding.

Register now, link is in the comments 👇

04/20/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

Name: Heaven Hill
School: Gillingham Charter School
Business Idea: Made Just for You

A bakery and café concept built around the idea that buying baked goods should be more than a quick stop, it should be an experience. Made Just for You is designed to offer a warm, welcoming space where customers can relax, connect, and enjoy fresh, high-quality bread, pastries, and hot drinks in a cozy atmosphere.

Heaven, a sophomore with a lifelong passion for baking, has been in the kitchen since the age of three and has already been selling her creations to teachers and classmates for years. Her vision combines artisanal baking with a café-style environment, creating a destination where community and comfort come together.

The business will focus on fresh breads, classic pastries, and specialty drinks, offering a healthier, more authentic alternative to store-bought options. With a strong emphasis on both modern marketing and community engagement, Heaven aims to build a space that attracts families, early risers, and visitors alike.

🎥 Watch the interview below.

Join us this Wednesday, April 22 starting at 5:30 PM for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event. There’s still time to register, don’t miss your chance to support these incredible students as they pitch their ideas and compete for scholarships and startup funding.

Register now, link is in the comments 👇

04/20/2026

Our Youth Program final event is Wednesday evening at the Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall! Reservations are still available!

Thank you to our Final Event Support Sponsors!
Pottsville Business Association
Rotary Club of Pottsville, Pa
Shore to Summit Wealth Management

Please show support to the students who have put in so much time and practice!
https://schuylkillchamber.growthzoneapp.com/events/Details/04-22-26-ignite-schuylkill-youth-final-event-1665778?sourceTypeId=Website

04/17/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

Name: Alora Smith
School: Minersville Area High School
Business Idea: Snaketopia

A specialized reptile and amphibian rehabilitation hub dedicated to providing expert care for animals that are often overlooked or improperly treated. Snaketopia addresses a major issue in the exotic pet world, misinformation and lack of access to proper veterinary-style support. Through a combination of hands-on rehab services and a carefully curated exotic pet supply store, Alora is working to ensure animals receive scientifically accurate care while also educating owners and the community. Her mission is rooted in real-world experience and a passion for improving the lives of reptiles, amphibians, and those who care for them.

🎥 Watch her interview below.

Join us next Wednesday, April 22 starting at 5:30 PM for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event. Come out to support these incredible students as they pitch their ideas and compete for scholarships and startup funding.

Register now, link is in the comments 👇

04/16/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: Mitchell Cox
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: Pottsville Area School District
𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚: Top 5 Productions

A creative media initiative focused on making filmmaking accessible to the next generation. Top 5 Productions provides affordable rentals of professional cameras, lighting, and audio equipment, while also offering hands-on workshops, mentorship, and studio space. Mitchell’s mission is to break down cost barriers and empower young creatives to develop their skills, produce real projects, and bring their stories to life. More than just a rental service, Top 5 Productions is a creative hub built to inspire the filmmakers of tomorrow.

🎥 Watch his interview below.

Join us next Wednesday, April 22 starting at 5:30 PM for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event. Come out to support these incredible students as they pitch their ideas and compete for scholarships and startup funding.

Register now, link is in the comments 👇

04/15/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

Name: Kalynne Miller
School: Schuylkill Haven Area High School
Business Idea: County CRISPR Collective

A biotech nonprofit focused on raising awareness of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology by providing low-cost lab experiences and hands-on learning opportunities. Kalynne’s vision is to make this groundbreaking science more accessible while inspiring future innovation in medicine and agriculture.

🎥 Watch her interview below and see the future of innovation in action.

Join us next Wednesday, April 22 starting at 5:30 PM for the IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event. Come out to support these incredible students as they pitch their ideas and compete for scholarships and startup funding.

Register now, link is in the comments 👇

04/24/2025

📣 IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program Final Event - May 8

The future of entrepreneurship in Schuylkill County takes center stage as seven high school finalists pitch their business ideas in this high-stakes competition.

Location: Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial
Time: 5:30 PM
Registration: Link in comments. Reserve your seat now!

These students have worked for 16 weeks developing their business concepts, and now they will compete for over $50,000 in scholarships and startup funding, including:

🏆$25,000 in flexible scholarship, startup capital, or prototype development
🏆$20,000 scholarship from Alvernia University
🏆$5,000 technical assistance scholarship from the O'Pake Institute

Why attend?
You will witness firsthand the innovation, drive, and talent coming out of Schuylkill County’s high schools. This program is about more than just business. It is about preparing the next generation to shape our local economy and lead with purpose.

About the Program
The IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program is a 16 week entrepreneurial development course designed to support aspiring high school entrepreneurs. The program, which is EITC approved, invests in human capital to foster long-term economic development and small business growth across the region.

Follow along as we spotlight each of our finalists and their proposed business. Come support them on May 8 and see who takes home the prize! The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Schuylkill Chamber Foundation are beyond excited to host this event!

04/09/2025

📣 We are one month away from IGNITE Schuylkill Youth Program's Final Event!

Finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges! The stakes are high, with prizes including:
🥇$25,000 flexible scholarship funding, startup capital, and/or protype development
🥇$20,000 scholarship from Alvernia University ($5,000 per fear for four years)
🥇$5,000 techinical assistance scholarship from the O'Pake Institute

👋 FINALISTS:
Alex & Delaney - Blue Mountain High School
Kira - Gillingham Charter
Keeshaun - Pottsville Area School District
Ali - Schuylkill Technology Center / Mahanoy Area Jr./Sr. High School
Carson - Schuylkill Technology Center/ Tamaqua Area High School
Aiyana - Schuylkill Technology Center / Pine Grove Area School District

👇 Registration and event details can be found by clicking the link in the comments below.

💪Youth programs like this can't happen without suppor from program sponsors like Senator David G. Argall and PPL Electric Utilities Foundation