Bender Leadership Academy at Insight PA
At Insight PA Cyber Charter School, students in grades K through 12 across Pennsylvania learn through live instruction and receive the support they need to grow with confidence. Insight PA strengthens this experience by offering programs that help students build real-world skills and leadership. One of the most impactful partnerships is with the Bender Leadership Academy, which prepares students with disabilities for life after high school through career readiness, self-advocacy, and leadership training.
Beth Habbyshaw and Christina Sowa, HS Transition Coordinators, spoke about the positive impact all the Bender Programs have had on our students at this year’s Disability Mentoring Day kickoff event at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA
What the Bender Leadership Academy Brings to Insight PA
The Bender Leadership Academy helps students understand their abilities, develop their voice, and build a vision for their future. Through workshops, mentorship, and guided leadership activities, students practice workplace readiness, resume writing, interview preparation, disability empowerment, and communication skills.
The results are meaningful. Five Insight PA high school students have received the Linda Dickerson Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each, and one student earned the Sam Miller Award for $500. In 2023, High School Transition Coordinator Beth Habbyshaw received the Judy Heumann Educator of the Year Award, recognizing her dedication to helping students thrive.
Leadership Begins Early with the Junior Leaders Program
During the 2024 to 2025 school year, Insight PA continued to grow this work by launching the Junior Leaders Program for middle school students. Bender Specialists Bonnie Rubin and Liza Widdop, along with Insight PA Transition Coordinator Caryn Decker, guided a group of 8th grade students as they explored leadership, mentorship, and self-advocacy. Every student completed the program, and one Insight PA 8th grader received the first Upstander Award and a $250 prize for his commitment to positive leadership.
A Partnership That Strengthens Student Support
The ongoing collaboration with the Bender Leadership Academy reflects Insight PA’s broader commitment to supporting the whole child. Insight PA provides a safe and affirming learning environment, strong relationships with caring adults, and programs that help all our students discover their strengths and chart a path toward their goals. The success of the Bender programs fits naturally within our approach and demonstrates how Insight PA equips students with the tools they need to learn, grow, and lead with confidence.
Learn how Insight PA supports students and families, and explore the opportunities available in our statewide online learning community.
About Insight PA
Insight PA is an online public school serving K-12 students across Pennsylvania. Our public education is taxpayer-funded. Families do not pay any tuition. We offer a personalized, accommodating learning experience that removes barriers to education and provides holistic support to all our students and families. At Insight PA, we celebrate and honor the diversity of our community. Insight PA students develop into strong problem solvers, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens. Join us — We’re now enrolling! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at https://insightpaschool.org/.
