Josephine Renninger, daughter of Brian and Jessica Renninger and Mackendra Stoetzel, daughter of Christopher and Melinda Stoetzel, both juniors at Jersey Shore Area High School, have been granted scholarships to attend free enterprise week.

The students will attend one of the several week-long sessions offered at the campuses of Lycoming College or Pennsylvania College of Technology.

According to the news release, students fill out an application and include short essays demonstrating their desire to learn about business and the American free enterprise system. Teachers and counselors then recommend the candidates and final selection is made by the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week staff. Those accepted are awarded $695 scholarships from local businesses, chambers, foundations, civic associations and individuals. The sponsorship covers all program materials, activities, meals and lodging for their week-long stay on a college campus, excluding a nominal registration fee and transportation to and from Williamsport.

At Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, students form teams of 16 to 18 students and one adult business mentor who “become the simulated management team at an underperforming manufacturing company in heated competition with other student companies,” the news release said. “Teams operate their company for a simulated three-year period, making the same decisions today’s businesses face daily. Students are immersed in finance, production, marketing and advertising, and all facets of modern business operations.”

Totally funded, taught and staffed by the Pennsylvania business community, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is supported by eight manufacturers associations, more than 100 chambers of commerce and more than 700 companies. The program is offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education.