Create Transformative Experiences

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Penn State’s mission of teaching, research, and service goes far beyond its classrooms and campuses. Through both traditional study abroad and new hands-on opportunities, undergraduates are learning about the responsibilities and opportunities of global citizenship, and Penn State is taking its place as a leader among international institutions. Both faculty and students are forming new collaborations and discovering new ways of sharing knowledge through advances in digital technology. And communities across the Commonwealth and around the world are coming together through Penn State’s leadership in the arts and humanities. Extraordinary opportunities like these require extraordinary resources. Private support has the potential to create the transformative experiences that will change the lives of our students, allow our faculty to lead, and reaffirm Penn State’s role as a pioneer in higher education.

Creating Transformative Experiences at Penn State Altoona

Students choose Penn State Altoona not only for the world-class curriculum and classroom teaching, but also for enriching experiences that allow them to grow into future leaders. On campus, in our local community, and around the world, our students work directly with faculty on research and creative activities projects, present papers at conferences, perform on stage, exhibit their original works, collaborate with business leaders on cutting-edge products and services, and advance new knowledge in disciplines from the arts and humanities to engineering and sciences. Through the Greater Penn State campaign, alumni and friends can partner with us in creating these educational offerings as we prepare creative and globally connected graduates who will define a bright future for our community and world.

Our Campaign Priorities

Science and Engineering Building

Society’s big challenges lie at the nexus of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The new Science and Engineering Building will provide students with the resources to spur innovations and solutions through increased research space; cutting-edge engineering, science, and visual art studies laboratories and studios; and enhanced technology.

Advancing the arts and humanities

As a long-standing leader in advancing the arts and humanities, Penn State Altoona students perform in local and regional theater venues and participate in juried art exhibits, while our community programs open new perspectives in art from the Classical Music Project to our Downtown Film Series. Philanthropic gifts to support an endowment for these and our many other programs will continue to celebrate and promote local, regional, and world cultures.

Engaged scholarship

Research, global travel, internships, capstone projects, academic clubs, and community service projects are transformational facets of the college experience. However, for many students who already struggle to afford tuition, these opportunities remain out of reach. Support for engaged scholarship allows alumni and friends to help Penn State Altoona students from all backgrounds enhance their education and develop a deeper understanding of our world.

Innovation Factory

The Innovation Factory is a unique, hands-on facility that exposes engineering students to the technical demands, potential pitfalls, and professional expectations of practicing engineers. Our students work closely with a sponsoring company to apply their electrical, mechanical, and programming knowledge to new product design and development. Private support and industry sponsors are instrumental to the ongoing success of the Innovation Factory.

Bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering

In collaboration with our industry partners, guided by our outstanding engineering faculty, and in response to the high demand for skilled STEAM graduates, we plan to launch a new mechanical engineering degree. Private support will help us offer cutting-edge curriculum, undergraduate research experiences, individualized faculty mentoring, and numerous internship and employment opportunities with leading companies.

Your Support, Our Future

Through the Greater Penn State campaign, donors can partner with Penn State Altoona in achieving our most ambitious goals. Together, we will provide the space, resources, and personnel needed to solve the big challenges facing our world. We will infuse our community with experiences in the arts and humanities, celebrating the rich diversity of our region and world. We will enable our students to take full advantage of global travel, research, and immersion experiences that broaden their education and future. We will facilitate real-world industry partnerships and create a new program that positions our students for in-demand and rewarding careers after graduation. Together, we can create the transformative experiences that will engage, inspire, and prepare Penn State Altoona students for success.