The brilliance of connected experiences


A Penn State education extends from the classroom to the world.

Through the Engage Penn State initiative, we aim to empower students to broaden their perspectives and deepen their learning through out-of-classroom opportunities.

A commitment to student engagement


An initiative launched by President Emeritus Eric Barron, at its core Engage Penn State represents the University’s commitment to a culture of engagement. Penn State aspires to connect all students with out-of-classroom experiences that enhance their education, to support instructors in leveraging the power of engagement, and to grow Penn State’s impact on the communities we serve.

What is “student engagement”?

“Student engagement” encompasses the range of out-of-classroom experiences available to students on campus and in the community. Engagement can take many forms. It can look like internships or part-time work, undergraduate research or creative inquiry, study abroad or study away, community service or civic action, participation in student organizations, and more. Coupled with classroom learning, engagement prepares our students to make a positive impact on the world—as citizens, as professionals, as leaders.

Download the Engagement App, the one-stop-shop for engagement at Penn State.
“Research has shown that engagement benefits many facets of students’ lives—from their health and happiness, to their grades, to their career prospects. Through Engage Penn State, we are making engagement an integral part of the Penn State student experience.”
Dr. Eric J. Barron
President Emeritus, Penn State
Opportunities exist to support Engage Penn State with a gift.
Stories of Success
Getting to the Heart of Engagement

Arizona Shreck, a first-year student majoring in kinesiology at Penn State Berks, was recently awarded the Penn State Student Engagement Remote Innovation Grant in support of her research on heart rate variability (HRV), measured by the Oura Ring, a ring that combines advanced sensor technology with a mobile app to deliver precise, personalized health insights from the body.

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$1M+

$1+ million awarded to fund 1,000+ engagement experiences through the SEN Grant program, from 2017 to 2021.

Read the latest news and highlights from Engage Penn State

PSU News Story Image

Engagement Grants open to undergraduates for spring 2025

Undergraduates from all campuses and academic disciplines can apply for funding from the Student Engagement Network for a wide range of projects, research and more. Groups also can apply for funding. Engagement Grant applications are open now through Dec. 20 for the spring 2025 semester.

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Engagement Week events offer look into how undergraduates are getting involved

The Penn State community and public are invited to Engagement Week events to learn how undergraduates are making the most of a wide variety of opportunities outside the classroom.  

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Undergraduates can now apply for funding from Student Engagement Network

Undergraduates from all campuses and academic disciplines can apply for funding from the Student Engagement Network for a wide range of projects, research and more. Groups also can apply for funding. 

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We want to hear from you


Do you have a question about the Engage Penn State initiative, or have you benefited from an engagement experience and would like to share your story? We want to hear from you. Please contact us using the form below, and we will respond to your message promptly.

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