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Tue, 02/17/2026 - 15:30
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PennWest News
January 29, 2025
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$330K GRANT TO BOOST INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES
January 29, 2025
Student interns will help to meet workforce needs in Venango and Clarion counties thanks to a grant
from the McElhattan Foundation.
Pennsylvania Western University has received a three-year, $332,000 grant from the McElhattan
Foundation to enhance student internship experiences and meet workforce needs in Clarion and
Venango counties.
The three-year grant will provide stipends for PennWest students pursuing paid or unpaid
internships in those counties. Additionally, it will fund a new internship program coordinator position
in the Career Center, based at the PennWest Clarion campus.
PennWest will partner with regional chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses to place qualified students in positions that address workforce
needs.
"Internships play a critical role in students’ career readiness by providing skill development and
networking opportunities. However, two common barriers are the lack of competitively paid
internships and support for small businesses and organizations interested in hosting interns. This
generous grant from the McElhattan Foundation helps PennWest address those barriers,” said
Rhonda Gifford, executive director of experiential learning and employer engagement.
The McElhattan Foundation has strong connections to Clarion and Venango counties, particularly
the communities of Knox and Franklin. The foundation prioritizes initiatives to foster economic
growth and enhance the local environment to ensure that both towns flourish.
“The McElhattan Foundation is proud to collaborate with PennWest University to create this initiative,
which aligns with our mission to foster economic growth and provide meaningful opportunities for
young professionals in Clarion and Venango counties,” said Sarah Pistella, Program Officer at the
McElhattan Foundation.
“By investing in students and equipping local organizations with the resources to host internships,
we aim to strengthen the workforce and ensure these communities continue to thrive.”
January 29, 2025
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
$330K GRANT TO BOOST INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES
January 29, 2025
Student interns will help to meet workforce needs in Venango and Clarion counties thanks to a grant
from the McElhattan Foundation.
Pennsylvania Western University has received a three-year, $332,000 grant from the McElhattan
Foundation to enhance student internship experiences and meet workforce needs in Clarion and
Venango counties.
The three-year grant will provide stipends for PennWest students pursuing paid or unpaid
internships in those counties. Additionally, it will fund a new internship program coordinator position
in the Career Center, based at the PennWest Clarion campus.
PennWest will partner with regional chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses to place qualified students in positions that address workforce
needs.
"Internships play a critical role in students’ career readiness by providing skill development and
networking opportunities. However, two common barriers are the lack of competitively paid
internships and support for small businesses and organizations interested in hosting interns. This
generous grant from the McElhattan Foundation helps PennWest address those barriers,” said
Rhonda Gifford, executive director of experiential learning and employer engagement.
The McElhattan Foundation has strong connections to Clarion and Venango counties, particularly
the communities of Knox and Franklin. The foundation prioritizes initiatives to foster economic
growth and enhance the local environment to ensure that both towns flourish.
“The McElhattan Foundation is proud to collaborate with PennWest University to create this initiative,
which aligns with our mission to foster economic growth and provide meaningful opportunities for
young professionals in Clarion and Venango counties,” said Sarah Pistella, Program Officer at the
McElhattan Foundation.
“By investing in students and equipping local organizations with the resources to host internships,
we aim to strengthen the workforce and ensure these communities continue to thrive.”