Invest in the Future. Contribute to Excellence.

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. If you are interested in establishing a lasting legacy through philanthropy with a new opportunity, please contact Sue Harris, Director of Development for University Programs and Parent Philanthropy, at sueharris@psu.edu or 814-865-6533.

Undergraduate Education Future Fund

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.

ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY

Undergraduate Micro-Scholarships

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.

MILITARY AND STUDENT LEADERS

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.

Program Support

  • Air Force ROTC - Unrestricted programmatic fund to support the activities of the Penn State Air Force ROTC program
  • Army ROTC - Unrestricted programmatic fund to support the activities of the Penn State Army ROTC program
  • Navy ROTC - Unrestricted programmatic fund to support the activities of the Penn State Navy ROTC program
  • ROTC Opportunity Fund - Unrestricted programmatic fund to support the overall activities of the Joint Service ROTC program

Scholarship Support

  • Bell Marine Leadership - A fund established in memory of Second Lieutenant Darren M. Bell ‘87 to provide financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled as Marine Options in the Naval ROTC program
  • Captain Sam Schultz Memorial Award - An award established in memory of Marine Capt. Samuel A. Schultz ‘12 to benefit top-performing midshipmen in the Naval ROTC program
  • Colonels Tedesco Army ROTC Scholarship - An endowment to support undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in the Army ROTC program
  • Gantt Navy Leadership - An award established in memory of Midshipman Christian M. Gantt to recognize outstanding students enrolled as Navy Option midshipmen in the Naval ROTC program with the presentation of a navy officer’s sword
  • McCombie Award - An award established in memory of LTJG Brandan McCombie to help offset any college-/living-related expenses incurred by midshipmen in leadership positions in the Naval ROTC program
  • McCombie Endowment - An endowment created in memory of LTJG Brandan McCombie to support the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) activities of the Naval ROTC program
  • Penn State Air Force ROTC Alumni Award - An award established by alumni and friends of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 720 to support an Air Force ROTC cadet who displays the ideals of patriotism, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, personal accountability, and the Air Force Core Values in his/her personal life
  • Penn State Military Student Fund - A non-endowed fund that is promoted during Military Appreciation Week to support students at Penn State World Campus, non-traditional students, military students, or students enrolled in the ROTC program
  • Semper Fi Fallen Marine Award - Two awards created in memory of Major Sam Griffith and Captain Todd Siebert; each award is given to a senior in good standing in the Naval ROTC program who is pursuing a commission in the United States Marine Corps
  • Starner Memorial Scholarship - An award established in memory of Marine Captain Anthony Roy Starner to be given to a military-affiliated full-time student at Penn State who is a resident of Pennsylvania; first preference is to a student in the Department of History; second preference is to a student in the College of the Liberal Arts

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Erickson Discovery Grant Program

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

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.

Student Engagement Fund

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.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Penn State Learning

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

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.

Student Success Center

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.

UE Units

UE Intercollege Academic Programs