Pa. Chamber helps launch workforce program at ESU

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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry was at an event Friday at East Stroudsburg University to announce a new partnership between the college and AT&T.  

 The Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program was described by the chamber as a first-of-its-kind in the state. 

The program is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s EPIC initiative and was facilitated with the support of the PA Chamber.  

It brings together the university and the telecommunications company as they help pilot a collaborative workforce development solution. 

During the eight-week program, two cohorts of 10 ESU students will work in teams to address a real-world challenge identified by AT&T.  

The students will be tasked with developing innovative solutions, culminating in presentations and a comprehensive paper to be presented to AT&T executives.  

The chamber said that the EPIC program is designed to scale, be credentialed, and deliver high-impact career awareness and preparation for learners.  

“We are thrilled to see the EPIC program take root in Pennsylvania,” said PA Chamber Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Bolden. “By linking students directly with employers, we are helping train the next generation of workers with the skills they need to thrive and prepare them for jobs that will keep them in Pennsylvania as we work to make our commonwealth more competitive.” 

 She said the initiative helps students learn job-ready skills and gives employers fresh insights to help them work through their challenges as we build a new generation of talent. 

At the launch event, school administrators, students, and AT&T representatives shared their program’s objectives and expected outcomes. 

 This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, providing students with valuable skills and experiences that align with Pennsylvania’s job market needs. 

“We are excited to partner with the Pennsylvania Chamber and the U.S. Chamber to bring this exciting opportunity to our students,” said East Stroudsburg University President Kenneth Long. “ESU faculty, administrators, coaches, and staff work to build relationships just like the ones here, to help ensure our students are given opportunities now that will lead them to success in the future.”  

The EPIC program is encouraging more employer-student partnerships in Pennsylvania throughout 2025.  

More information about the EPIC program can be found on the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s EPIC Initiative webpage.