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.

Resources & Information

Are you a student who is ready to explore your passions and deepen your learning? Or are you an educator or parent who wants to help students to engage? Discover the opportunities that are waiting for students beyond the classroom.
Corporate Engagement Center

The hub where Penn State faculty and staff can learn how to partner with industry for student projects, career development, and more

Penn State Outreach

The central home to programs that serve the communities surrounding Penn State’s campuses and beyond

Invent Penn State

A presidential initiative which helps students and faculty turn their great ideas into viable businesses

Achieve Penn State

A presidential initiative which helps students to start college strong, maintain success, and graduate with minimal debt

“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.
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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.

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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