Do you know what Penn State does for Pennsylvania? For more than 150 years, we’ve been reaching out to communities every day through our mission of teaching, research, and service. On this site, you’ll see stories from residents of the Commonwealth about how Penn State has helped them transform their businesses, communities, and lives. We invite you to discover what PSU4PA really means, from people who know firsthand.
Heroes have a way to a will
How is Penn State helping firefighters, police, and other emergency personnel protect themselves as they devote their lives to protecting others? The University responds to the call through the Wills for Heroes program. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Penn State Law volunteer their time to help emergency responders prepare wills. The free program, started after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, gives peace of mind to Pennsylvania's heroes and their families.
Ready, Set, Go! program teaches teachers
How can teachers support children of deployed U.S. soldiers? Penn State offers training for Pennsylvania educators as they help children face stressful issues connected with family members serving in the military. The Ready, Set, Go! program, offered by Penn State in conjunction with Operation Military Kids, guides teachers as they help children cope on the home front.
Free training helps protect children
If you're a parent or grandparent, how can you make sure the children in your life are safe in the car? Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital's Pediatric Injury Prevention Program, offered through the Lower Paxton Township Police Department, gives free instruction to the public about child safety issues, including car seat installation and traveling with children on board. Pennsylvania resident Christie Fugate is thrilled about the service because it helps keep her baby safe.
Penn State helps Pa. farmers
How does Penn State help Pennsylvania farmers move forward? Research and advice from many areas of the University help farming operations like Hollabaugh Brothers, Inc., in Biglerville, Pa., keep growing. Brad Hollabaugh, business manager, is one of many family members who own and run the fruit farm and market, which has been operating for more than fifty-five years. Penn State advises the Hollabaughs about crop and financial issues, helping them stay in the business they love.
Westmoreland Co.: 'Phenomenal Impact' on our programs
How does Penn State reach out to the county that has the highest rural population in the state with resources, research, and even a shared employee? Greg Phillips, the CEO/District manager of the Westmoreland Conservation District, explains how partnering with Penn State Extension improves the quality of life for Westmoreland County residents.
Officers value preparation Penn State training offers
Do you know someone who always has your back -- someone you can rely on to show you the ropes? For many county sheriff departments across the state, Penn State takes on that role. Scott Henry, a deputy in the Berks County Sheriff's Department, points out how Penn State's Deputy Sheriff Academy, the only program of its kind in Pennsylvania, teaches deputies effective ways to protect the public.
Making your water safe to drink
If you live in a rural area of Pennsylvania, where can you turn for help to ensure that drinking water from your well is safe? Phyllis Framel, a resident of Allegheny Township, relies on Penn State Extension for peace of mind about her well water and other environmental issues. Find out how Penn State educates and serves the public.
Daily impact on lives across Pennsylvania
How did one Penn State professor make a difference in the lives of twelve children? How do some Penn State students support military families? Find out from Deb Krall, Wing Family Program coordinator for the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. The Wing Family Program supports military families with activities and information.
Turning 2,000 Christmas trees into 20,000
How do you make 2,000 trees grow to ten times as many? Christmas tree farmer Gordon Repine of Scotia, Pennsylvania, can tell you how Penn State helped him do it -- and how the University continues to help him manage his trees.
Website gets information out about rare disease
If you wanted to share information with other families about a little-known health disorder, how would you start? Pam Albert, of Harrisburg, created a website. Learn how Penn State students reached out to help her in her mission to inform others about a debilitating chromosome disorder that affected her sons.
Penn State volunteers help get food to those in need
The State College Area Food Bank operates with the help of many people, most of whom are volunteers. How does Penn State fit into the mix? Linda Tataliba, executive director of the food bank, has a list of ways that Penn State faculty and students help to ensure that food will be available to those in need.
Helping downtown Altoona come alive
What did Penn State do to help downtown Altoona come alive again? Watch as Marty Marasco, president and CEO of the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp., explains the trickle-down effect of Penn State's research and assistance on both economic and community development in Altoona and across Blair County.
Bus safety depends on PSU testing expertise
Ever wonder how safe your public buses are? That question is a major concern for Hugh Mose, general manager of the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), State College, Pennsylvania. Mose explains how much the state's public transportation systems depend on the Bus Research and Testing Program in Penn State's Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute to protect bus commuters.
A recipe for success includes Penn State help
What's the recipe for a successful bakery? Sandi Smith, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, says Penn State has given her most of ingredients through the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program. See how she combines PennTAP knowledge with her baking expertise to make Sandi's Breads a hot business.
Law Clinic Advocates for Youth
How does a connection between Cumberland County and Penn State benefit youth who need legal services? Penn State Law's Children's Advocacy Clinic provides free legal services to youth in conjunction with the county's Children and Youth Services Agency.
Navigating the foster care system
When faced with foster care, where can children and youth in Cumberland County find guidance? Penn State Law students and faculty who work on foster care cases at the Children's Advocacy Clinic keep the best interests of the children in mind as they collaborate with the county's Children and Youth Services Agency.
Penn State's Role in the Revitalization of Altoona
Penn State's efforts at revitalizing downtown Altoona. Penn State has helped this restaurant owner's business tremendously.
Making farms greener
How do farmers make their land even greener? PAOneStop helps them comply with nutritional and environmental requirements.
Health clinic acts as safety net
Where can people in the Harrisburg area find a safety net when they have health issues? Penn State's LionCare Clinic, staffed by faculty and student volunteers from the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, helps underserved and uninsured patients.