Keystone Community Scholars

Group of Keystone Community ScholarsPenn State graduate students selected as Keystone Community Scholars play a vital role in advancing the transformational outcomes of Keystone Community Partnerships by helping to build lasting, community-driven solutions. Through this experience, scholars are supported and equipped with the tools to foster social and economic impact in real-world settings—while contributing to Penn State’s 21st-century land-grant mission.

Through immersive, community-based partnerships, Keystone Community Scholars connect University resources with community priorities and strengthen pathways for future student engagement. Scholars grow as leaders, communicators, and collaborators by working hand-in-hand with local partners to support long-term, systems-level change.

Keystone Community Scholars can expect to:

  • Build Bridges: Serve as a vital link between University expertise and community needs.
  • Connect with Communities: Engage with diverse communities—urban, rural, and everything in between.
  • Develop Pipelines: Support the recruitment of students from across Pennsylvania to participate in future cohorts.