ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WTAJ) — The Blair County Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy will hold a graduation ceremony for 15 local students in grades 6 through 12 on April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Casino at Lakemont Park in Altoona. 

Students received the necessary tools to launch their very own IRS-registered business throughout the 25-week program. 

Sessions include mentoring from industry experts, field trips and a ‘Shark Tank’ style event where students pitched their business plans to local investors for financial backing. 

The graduates of the 2019 class include students from Hollidaysburg Area High School, Altoona Area High School, Bishop Guilfoyle High School, and a few other local schools.