Through the generous donation of philanthropist, Penn State graduate, and businessman Steve Sheetz and his wife, Nancy, the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence opened its doors in fall 2011. The Center is the home to Penn State Altoona's entrepreneurship program and the Sheetz Fellows Program.
The Center includes Rossman Park (external to building entrance); the Brett Lobby; the M&T Vestibule; The Hite Company Lounge; the Michael and Gail Irwin Family Trading Room; the Young, Oakes, Brown & Company Conference Room; the Ferris Family Gathering Space; the mini trade showroom; a business incubator, as well as classrooms and conference rooms.
Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family
In 2017, the Altoona LaunchBox opened in the Gables Building in downtown Altoona. In 2018, the facility was renamed the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family, in recognition of a $1 million donation by local business leader and philanthropist Lee Hite and his family. In 2020, the LaunchBox was moved to the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence.
The Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family is a no-cost startup accelerator and co-working space designed to provide early-stage startups with the support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. The LaunchBox is part of the Invent Penn State initiative. Learn more on the Altoona LaunchBox site.