Local Government and Community Relations
Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations strives to enhance communication, promote community engagement, and support initiatives that contribute to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of the Centre Region. Through active partnership and open dialogue, we address shared challenges, celebrate joint successes, and create a harmonious environment that enriches the lives of both university members and local residents. We’re proud to be an integral part of the neighborhoods and communities that surround our campus, and want to be a consistent collaborator to make our area the best place to live, work, and play.
Meet Julian Morales
Director of Local Government and Community Relations
“A strong Town-Gown relationship is essential for fostering vibrant communities where the university and local residents thrive. At Penn State, we recognize that our collaboration with Centre Region is not just about coexistence but about building a shared future of growth, innovation, and mutual support. Together, we create a dynamic environment that enhances the quality of life for all and drives economic and cultural vitality in our region.”
Meet MIKE STEFAN
VP for Government and Community Relations
“From student relations to economic development to traffic patterns, our office is dedicated to the cause of making the Centre Region one of the best places to learn and live. To ensure the continuation of a vibrant town and gown relationship, we must fully embrace relentless teamwork between all members of the University and our surrounding communities. Our shared commitment to a healthy relationship between campus and community is proven in our past successes and is the key to our future endeavors.”
Community Tools, Resources, and News
Click the boxes below to explore resources to connect with all members of the local community from employment opportunities to instructions on how to rent spaces on the University Park Campus.
For Non-Profits
Student employment and volunteer opportunities
Penn State is full of students eager to expand their education or bolster their finances through community jobs, volunteer opportunities, and internships to achieve a holistic learning experience while in college.
Use these helpful links to promote and recruit volunteers, employment, and internship opportunities to our students.
- Penn State Career Services helps connect recruiters with students who are looking to build an employment brand presence on campus through an Employer Engagement Manager.
- Submit volutneer service opportunities to be sent out on our weekly volunteer listserv to recruit students to help in both on and off campus opportunities.
- Community partners can also share job opportunities with Penn Stater by using Nittany Lion Careers.
Penn State Sustainability – Sustainable Communities Collaborative
The Sustainable Communities Collaborative (SCC) facilitates engaged scholarship projects as part of Penn State Sustainability’s outreach mission. The SCC connects Penn State faculty, students, and staff with local communities to address sustainability challenges through an engaged, collaborative effort. Each project is facilitated and involves faculty expertise and students from across the academic spectrum, co-led by a critical community leader and the University’s SCC staff, to help develop and support thriving, healthy communities and advance student learning about the scholarship of sustainability.
For those interested in engaging with Penn State Sustainability, we encourage you to see information at our Community Collaborative page linked here.
Use of University Facilities
Room usage is subject to University approval and scheduling and should abide by Penn State Policy AD02 (Non-University Groups Using University Facilities).
Inquiries can be sent to Barb Ettaro, bxm7@psu.edu, with the subject line “Facility Request.” The email should include the organization’s name, a brief description of its mission, website address (if applicable), the purpose of the room use, and the date and time requested. Agencies are advised to send inquiries with ample advance notice, ideally 2-3 months, to accommodate requests.
Contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at ogcr@psu.edu or (814) 865-6563 for any assistance or general questions.
For Businesses
With its campus close to downtown. Penn State takes great pride in its connection to the State College business community. Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations is dedicated to fostering collaboration between the university and the local community to support the ongoing development and vibrancy of downtown State College and the broader Central Pennsylvania region. We strive to facilitate resource sharing, disseminate valuable information, and promote engagement between our students, faculty, staff, and local businesses.
Penn State Small Business Development Center
Founded in 1997, the Penn State SBDC is part of the Penn State Office of the Senior Vice President for Research. The Penn State SBDC is one of the sixteen university- and college-based SBDCs in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of America’s SBDC. The Pennsylvania SBDCs are the only statewide, nationally accredited program in Pennsylvania that provides high-quality consulting, training, and information resources to empower new and existing businesses. The program is a public/private partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and Penn State University.
Invent Penn State – Happy Valley LaunchBox Powered by PNC Bank
Located on the second floor of the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub located in downtown State College, the Happy Valley LaunchBox has programs, services, and resources available at no cost to help entrepreneurs make informed business decisions, whether just getting started with an idea, looking to acquire a first customer, or working to grow a startup.
Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County
The CBICC is Centre County’s leading economic development organization and business advocate.
Through leadership and collaboration, the CBICC engages the business community, elected officials, and regional partners in proactive economic- and workforce-development initiatives that foster an innovative business environment and boost opportunities to live, work, learn, play, and prosper in Centre County.
Penn State Corporate Engagement Center
When corporate goals align with University priorities, partnerships thrive. The Corporate Engagement Center is here to help make strategic connections that build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
Student employment and volunteer opportunities
- Penn State is full of students eager to expand their education or bolster their finances through community jobs, volunteer opportunities, and internships to achieve a holistic learning experience while in college.
- Use these helpful links to promote and recruit volunteers, employment, and internship opportunities to our students.
- Penn State Career Services helps connect recruiters with students who are looking to build an employment brand presence on campus through an Employer Engagement Manager.
- Submit volutneer service opportunities to be sent out on our weekly volunteer listserv to recruit students to help in both on and off campus opportunities.
- Community partners can also share job opportunities with Penn Stater by using Nittany Lion Careers.
Use of University Facilities
Room usage is subject to University approval and scheduling and should abide by Penn State Policy AD02 (Non-University Groups Using University Facilities).
Inquiries can be sent to Barb Ettaro, bxm7@psu.edu, with the subject line “Facility Request.” The email should include the organization’s name, a brief description of its mission, website address (if applicable), the purpose of the room use, and the date and time requested. Agencies are advised to send inquiries with ample advance notice, ideally 2-3 months, to accommodate requests.
Contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at ogcr@psu.edu or (814) 865-6563 for any assistance or general questions.
For University Students & Employees
Downtown State College Improvement District
The Downtown State College Improvement District (DSCID) is dedicated to creating and promoting Downtown State College as a welcoming and vibrant destination for all. DSCID develops community events, programs, and initiatives; advances physical improvements, creative placemaking, and clean, inviting streetscapes; they are a trusted resource for all State College residents.
DSCID is a non-profit Neighborhood Improvement District with over 350 participating businesses. It was established by ordinance of the Borough of State College in accordance with Pennsylvania laws. The District extends from Atherton Street to Sowers Street and College Avenue to Highland Alley.
Happy Valley Adventure Borough
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization committed to the fundamental principle that meetings and visitors can be more effectively attracted to our area through “coordinated group action” rather than independent action. The bureau’s mission is to develop, promote, and engage in travel-related activities and coordinate visitor services designed to enhance the economic activity and quality of life within Centre County, Pennsylvania.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is Center County, Pennsylvania’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Like cities and towns worldwide, Happy Valley is promoted as a vacation and meeting destination to select target audiences.
Get more information and learn how you can become a member at (LINK).
Rediscover State College is an initiative funded by the State College Borough and the State College Redevelopment Authority (RDA) and put together by local SC creatives who think their town is pretty cool.