Senior Soft Skills Challenge Kicks Off in Downtown Indiana

High school seniors throughout Indiana County and portions of Armstrong County will learn different lessons in April in a unique classroom. The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Arin Intermediate Unit #28, is holding its third annual Soft Skills Challenge (SSC) for these students to enhance career-ready initiatives. 

 

The event is taking place in various host locations throughout Downtown Indiana; the school districts will arrive on different days beginning April 7 to engage the seniors in real-world activities designed to improve their essential skills. Indiana County Chamber of Commerce President Mark Hilliard says that the event is another business education partnership that will have lasting effects on the future workforce.

 

“We have partnered with several businesses and organizations throughout the Downtown Indiana area to create opportunities for the students to begin applying many of the essential skills that are being reinforced in the school districts and with our Indiana County Ready™ program,” Hilliard commented.

 

Indiana County READY™ is a Chamber-led business education program in all Indiana County school districts that assesses students during the school year in the categories of reliability, work ethic, communication, respect, professionalism, and attendance. Many of these essential skills will be displayed in the SSC, where students will interact with businesses and organizations. 

 

Some activities include students practicing an elevator speech, practicing critical thinking and time management, providing feedback for new initiatives at the Jimmy Stewart Museum, and visiting the Indiana County Courthouse.

  

Senior students from each Indiana and Armstrong County school district will participate in the SSC on various weekdays throughout this month. The program’s activities will help the students further develop leadership, communication, professionalism, financial literacy, tact/manners, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

 

Businesses and organizations that are participating in the event include the 700 Shop, The Artist’s Hand Gallery, EXP Realty, First Commonwealth Bank, Fox’s Pizza, Indiana County Courthouse, Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana Theatre, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Jimmy Stewart Museum, Paper Garden, Priority First Federal Credit Union, Renda Broadcasting, S & T Bank, and State Representative Jim Struzzi.