Penn State Outreach

What begins as a childhood fascination can grow into a lifelong mission. 🦉

From raising a chicken named Henny to managing the Klingsberg Aviary at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Joe Whitehead has dedicated his career to connecting people with wildlife through conservation, education, and mentorship. Discover how his passion is inspiring future environmental professionals and helping visitors see the natural world in a new way.

https://www.outreach.psu.edu/news/taking-flight-joe-whiteheads-impact-through-conservation-and-education/

125 years. One song. Countless memories. 💙🤍

For 125 years, Penn Staters have joined together in song to celebrate the traditions, memories, and connections that make this community so special.

Written in 1901, "For the Glory of Old State" has echoed through commencement ceremonies, football Saturdays, alumni gatherings, and countless moments in between—connecting generations of students, alumni, faculty, and friends through a shared sense of pride and belonging.

Today, we celebrate 125 years of Penn State's alma mater and the legacy it continues to carry forward.

The University has released a commemorative video to mark the anniversary: https://bit.ly/4xdPdWZ

Happy National Pride Month! We at Penn State Outreach acknowledge and encourage everyone's individuality and are proud to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. 🫶

For a list of LGBTQ+ support resources courtesy of The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, visit: bit.ly/4o3qQqz

Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of the Penn State Blue Band? 🎺🥁

The 2026 Blue Band High School Summer Clinic gives high school marching band instrumentalists and band front members the opportunity to learn the traditions of the Penn State Marching Blue Band in a student-centered, inclusive, and encouraging environment — all while getting a taste of life at Penn State University Park.

Participants will work directly with Penn State Blue Band directors, staff, and students to strengthen their musicianship and marching fundamentals.

📍 Penn State University Park
📅 June 25–27, 2026
📝 Registration closes June 4

Learn more and register: https://sites.psu.edu/bluebandclinic/about/registration/

Behind every meaningful event is a student helping make it happen. 🌱

Earlier this month, the Flourishing in Adolescence Summit gathered educators, researchers, student leaders, and community members in Pittsburgh to discuss how schools can better support student well-being, connection, and purpose.

Penn State student Harinder Rakhra played a key role in making the event happen by coordinating logistics, managing the attendee experience, capturing content during the day, and helping ensure the summit’s success.

Penn State Outreach was proud to support the event with the Readiness Institute at Penn State, the College of Health and Human Development, and other university and community partners who are dedicated to helping the next generation.

This work shows our Commonwealth Commitment to preparing students through hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-world impact.

From Summer Discovery to Penn State commencement 🎓

In 2021, Chiara Harris joined the very first Readiness Institute Summer Discovery cohort looking for connection, purpose, and new opportunities during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, she’s graduating from Penn State as a first-generation college student and former RI Junior Instructor who returned to help guide future students through the same program that helped shape her own journey.

Her story is a reminder of the impact mentorship, experiential learning, and community can have on a student’s path forward 💙

Read Chiara’s full story at

From Summer Discovery to Commencement: Chiara Harris Reflects on Her Readiness Institute Journey - Penn State Outreach As a member of the inaugural Readiness Institute Summer Discovery cohort in 2021, Chiara Harris began her Penn State journey searching for purpose, connection, and opportunity during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years later, she graduates from Penn State as a first-generation colle...

Penn State Outreach connects people, communities, and opportunities across Pennsylvania.

Through the Commonwealth Commitments, Outreach focuses on three priorities that guide this work:
- Inspire Discovery
- Prepare Students
- Serve Pennsylvania

Together, these commitments help expand access to learning, prepare the next generation of leaders, and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.

Explore how Penn State Outreach is making an impact across Pennsylvania.

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Commonwealth Commitments - Penn State Outreach The Commonwealth Commitments define the work of Outreach it in a way that ensures it will create impact that supports Penn State’s land-grant mission.