Penn State Behrend: Office of Community and Workforce Programs

A great opportunity to learn more about Penn State Behrend’s new five-year strategic plan and the vision guiding the college forward.

Check out the latest episode of Behrend Talks to hear more about what’s ahead!

On the new episode of the “Behrend Talks” podcast, Chancellor Ralph Ford talks with Greg Filbeck and Alicyn Rhoades about the college’s new five-year strategic plan. Listen at behrendtalks.buzzsprout.com

Looking to strengthen your project management skills and take the next step in your career?

Penn State Behrend’s Project Management Certificate Program provides practical, real-world skills you can apply immediately in the workplace—from project planning and scheduling to cost and risk management.

The program is 100% remote, with live instruction via Zoom and Canvas, making it easier to build your skills while balancing your work and other commitments.

Participants can also earn 21 PDUs per course and 84 PDUs upon completion of the full program, while building toward the educational requirements for the PMP® credential.

📅 Interested in learning more? Join us for an upcoming information session!

Learn more: behrend.psu.edu/cwp

Six Sigma is a valuable methodology and skillset that equips professionals with the tools to solve problems, improve processes, and drive results.

For employers, it can strengthen teams, increase efficiency, and support a culture of continuous improvement. Belt holders gain practical skills they can apply right away, and employers are seeing the impact firsthand:

"My employees are loving the training. The instructor's thoughtful, masterful questioning and always positive feedback linked with contextual examples are the perfect pedagogical combination. I am seeing my team connect the dots and apply what they are learning."

Whether you're looking to enhance your own skills or explore workforce development opportunities for your team, join one of our upcoming Six Sigma information sessions to learn how our programs can help drive professional and organizational success.

🗓️ Upcoming Information Sessions:
· August 5
· August 11
· August 27

Register at behrend.psu.edu/cwp or email Ryan Parker, [email protected].

We’re excited to announce upcoming Information Sessions for our Project Management Certificate and Six Sigma Black Belt Certification programs at Penn State Behrend!

If you’re looking to advance your career, strengthen your leadership skills, or gain in-demand process improvement expertise, these sessions are a great first step to learn what each program offers and how they can support your professional goals.

During the sessions, you’ll:
-Explore course content and certification pathways
-Learn how these programs align with industry needs
-Get details on schedules, format, and enrollment
-Have the opportunity to ask questions directly

Whether you’re looking to grow within your current role or prepare for new opportunities, these certifications are designed to help you take that next step with confidence.

Open to professionals across all industries!

To learn more or register, visit behrend.psu.edu/cwp or email Ryan Parker at [email protected].

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor all who have served in the military. We are grateful for their courage, dedication, and service. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend as we take time to reflect and remember.

There’s still time to register for these upcoming online courses!

Plastic Injection Mold Design Basics
June 1–4 and August 10–13
Live via Zoom | 8:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $1,800

Injection-Molded Part Design Principles
June 8–10 and August 12–14
Live via Zoom | 8:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $1,350

Upgrade your skills, sharpen your expertise, and learn directly from industry professionals—all without leaving your workspace.

Website: behrend.psu.edu/plastics
Email: [email protected]

Congratulations to Omayra and Travis from Caplugs on completing our Injection Molding Principles workshop this week at Penn State Behrend! 👏

This hands-on training combines classroom learning with real lab experience to build skills in injection molding basics, terminology, troubleshooting, and processing — giving participants the opportunity to learn by doing.

Thank you both for joining us at the Penn State Behrend: Plastics Training Academy!

Interested in advancing your plastics knowledge or training your team? Learn more about upcoming workshops through our website at behrend.psu.edu/plastics or by email at [email protected].

New skills don’t just build careers—they build stronger futures.

At the Office of Community and Workforce Programs (CWP) at Penn State Behrend, we help people and organizations turn that idea into action.

Whether it’s upskilling your team, reskilling for a changing industry, or earning a certificate that opens new doors, our programs are designed to be practical, hands-on, and directly tied to what employers actually need.

Through customized workforce training, professional development, continuing education, and our nationally accredited Penn State Behrend: Plastics Training Academy, we bring real-world learning to real-world challenges.

Because when people gain the right skills, businesses become stronger, careers move forward, and entire industries grow.

If you’re ready to invest in your workforce—or in yourself—CWP is here to help you take that next step. Visit our website for more details: behrend.psu.edu/cwp or email us with information: [email protected].

Congrats to Amy (Hitchings) Bridger, leader of our corporate engagement team and assistant dean for innovation and corporate strategy at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College on being named one of six recipients of the 2026 Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement.

This award highlights her contributions to scholarship and creative work — and the leadership she brings to our team!

Amy Bridger, assistant dean for innovation and corporate strategy at , is one of six recipients of the 2026 Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement. The award, established in 1980, recognizes scholarly or creative excellence represented by a single contribution or a series of contributions around a coherent theme.