The Penn Hills School District is proud to announce a partnership with xTool, a global leader in design technology, to give students hands-on experience in professional apparel design, branding, and product creation.

This partnership powers a new era of innovation in the district’s PHorge Entrepreneurship class, where students are designing, engraving, and selling real products — from custom apparel to engraved merchandise —while learning the fundamentals of running a business.

From Classroom to Company

The PHorge Entrepreneurship class, led by Mr. Anthony Kobus, is transforming education by operating like a student-driven business incubator. Students manage every aspect of the business process from concept design to marketing, production, and customer communication, gaining invaluable experience in leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.

Through the xTool partnership, students now have access to an industry-grade apparel transfer printer that enables them to produce custom apparel with professional-quality precision.

“This isn’t a simulation, it’s soon to be the real thing,” said Dr. Matt Dado, Director of Technology and Innovation. “Our students are creating marketable products, building relationships with customers, and learning what it takes to operate a successful business. We’re preparing them not just for the workforce, but for ownership.”

A Coffee Shop With Purpose

In addition to their design and apparel ventures, the PHorge Entrepreneurship students have also opened and now operate a school-based coffee shop, serving the Penn Hills students and staff. The shop provides students with a tangible opportunity to apply their business, finance, and customer service skills daily, connecting learning directly to real-world practice.

The program’s success demonstrates Penn Hills’ belief that students learn best when they’re empowered to create, lead, and take ownership of their education.

“We’re building a system where students can steer their own learning,” said Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio. “Programs like PHorge Entrepreneurship turn the classroom into an incubator where ideas can be tested, refined, and launched into something bigger. This is the future of education at Penn Hills.”

Expanding to E-Commerce

In the coming months, the PHorge Entrepreneurship team will launch an online store, giving students the opportunity to expand their business into e-commerce and learn about digital marketing, logistics, and online sales management.

Once the site is live, individuals and companies will be able to place custom orders for branded apparel and laser-engraved products directly from the student-run business.

Until then, any individual or business interested in custom apparel, engraving, or promotional items can reach out directly to Mr. Anthony Kobus via email at akobus@phsd.org to discuss project ideas or inquiries.

Forging the Future of Career Education

The combination of xTool’s professional-grade technology and Penn Hills’ forward-thinking approach is helping students gain marketable, transferable skills that connect education to real opportunity.

By embedding entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied technology into daily learning, the district is setting a new standard for what high school can be a launchpad for creativity, confidence, and career success.

“Every shirt printed, every cup engraved, and every order filled is a lesson in leadership, business, and pride,” Dr. Dado added. “Penn Hills is creating pathways where students don’t just dream about the future, they build it.”