From orientation programs to scholarship support to involvement in research, the services provided by Undergraduate Education engage students in learning on campus and in communities around the world. With your support, students have the freedom to explore and take advantage of these opportunities as they strive to become responsible leaders. If you are interested in making an impact today, please consider contributing to the current opportunities in Undergraduate Education listed here.
To celebrate a new era of rapid change and global connections, the University has begun A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence, a fast-paced campaign focused on the three key imperatives of a public university. Private support will keep the door to higher education open and enable students to graduate on time and on track to success; create transformative experiences on Penn State campuses and around the globe that tap the full potential of Penn Staters to make a difference; and impact the world through discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Office of Penn State Undergraduate Education occupies a unique position within the University that allows leadership to see synergies and needs across University-wide programs. This vantage point offers an opportunity to support students in a way that will have the largest, positive impact to those in need. Through the Undergraduate Education Future Fund, support can be directed where it is needed most.
Keeping Penn State accessible for students from every economic background has long been a chief institutional priority for our University. A new approach focuses on a micro-scholarship program, which provides opportunities for high school students to earn scholarship dollars toward their college education by successfully completing specific academic and co-curricular requirements set by the University.
Penn State’s micro-scholarship program is offered through Raise.me, a San Francisco-based start-up with Pennsylvania roots. Gifts will be used to directly support student micro-scholarships. While Penn State provides funding, gifts through private philanthropy will increase the impact of these scholarships by making more available to students.
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) trains undergraduate students to become commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. Students may receive a competitive, merit-based scholarship, covering all or part of their college tuition and fees.
In addition, there are specific military scholarships dedicated to supporting students who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to excellence. If you would like to add to these existing funds to enhance the experience of our ROTC students, please click below to learn more.
The Erickson Discovery Grant Program supports undergraduate student engagement in original research, scholarship, and creative work under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
Lion LaunchPad is a business accelerator program created to help student entrepreneurs turn innovative product and service concepts into viable startup companies. Lion LaunchPad is part of Penn State’s support of students in all majors who want to develop a stronger entrepreneurial mindset.
The Student Engagement Network (SEN) is Penn State’s commitment to making out-of-classroom learning through internships, study abroad, volunteer service, and research, a central part of the undergraduate experience. The SEN is operated in partnership with Student Affairs.
Penn State Learning offers tutoring services in hundreds of courses across the undergraduate curriculum at no additional cost to students. These services are enhanced by gifts that make it possible for the 150 undergraduate peer tutors and study group leaders to receive advanced training and to attend and present at regional, national, and international conferences.
Student Orientation and Transition Programs (SOTP) provides a comprehensive learning experience for every Penn State undergraduate student in support of a successful academic, social, and personal transition to the University. These scholarships go towards enhancing programs and supporting the student leaders who volunteer their time throughout the academic year and are employed throughout the summer to assist new students, parents, and family members transition to Penn State.
Penn State undergraduate students have the benefit of a vast network of support. Earning a college degree is no easy feat, but Penn State undergraduate students do not have to navigate their journey alone. The Student Success Center supports undergraduate students to overcome obstacles on the pathway to achieving their academic goals.