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

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Register now for the 2024 Student Engagement Summit on May 14

Registration is now open for the 2024 Student Engagement Summit, giving Penn State faculty, staff and graduate students the opportunity to explore how Penn State can implement meaningful and effective strategies for students, faculty and staff. 

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Penn State Scranton nursing student awarded Student Engagement Network Grant

Darla Lattimer, a third-year nursing student in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State Scranton and an English minor, has been awarded a $2,000 Student Engagement Network Grant for the spring 2024 semester.

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Undergraduate Exhibition helps students prepare for future research

For students working toward research careers and higher degrees, the Undergraduate Exhibition for Research, Inquiry and Creative Activity is a particularly valuable opportunity to practice concise presentation and professional research procedures. March 11 is the deadline to apply. 

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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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