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.
Resources & Information
The Penn State office which facilitates student engagement across the University
A mobile app which connects students to a broad range of Penn State engagement opportunities
A program which provides funding for select student engagement experiences
A program which supports faculty and staff in leveraging the power of engagement in the classroom and on campus
The hub where Penn State faculty and staff can learn how to partner with industry for student projects, career development, and more
The central home to programs that serve the communities surrounding Penn State’s campuses and beyond
A presidential initiative which helps students and faculty turn their great ideas into viable businesses
A presidential initiative which helps students to start college strong, maintain success, and graduate with minimal debt
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.
$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
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.
Read MoreEngagement 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.
Read MoreUndergraduates 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.
Read MoreWe 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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