Penn State Outreach K-12 Engagement connects educators, students, and school communities with the University’s expertise and resources to strengthen learning pathways from kindergarten through high school. Grounded in Penn State’s land-grant mission, K-12 Engagement serves as a unifying framework that aligns programs and initiatives across Penn State that focus on educators and students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Through this work, K-12 Engagement aims to:

  • Connect K-12 students and educators with Penn State research, facilities, and experts
  • Support innovative, hands-on learning experiences aligned with state standards and workforce requirements
  • Build long-term partnerships that respond to local and regional priorities
  • Create clear pathways from K-12 education to postsecondary success and career exploration

Areas of Engagement

K-12 Student OpportunitiesA young girl reaches toward a globe
K-12 Student Opportunities - A curated directory of Penn State programs, events, camps, and learning opportunities for K-12 students
K-12 Educator OpportunitiesA young teacher looks happy and surprised. Behind her are math formulas that look like they are written on a chalkboard, a line drawing of a human brain, and paint splatters.
K-12 Educator Opportunities - Professional learning programs, workshops, resources, and partnerships for K-12 educators
K-12 Sustainability SummitLeaf with white line drawings showing wind turbines, the sun, trees, buildings, and people.
K-12 Sustainability Summit - A statewide convening that brings together educators, school leaders, and Penn State partners to advance sustainability education across Pennsylvania

Partner with Us

Amanda SmithPenn State Outreach works closely with schools, districts, intermediate units, and community partners to support K-12 initiatives that reflect local needs and statewide priorities. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on a new program, connect students to Penn State opportunities, or engage educators in professional learning, we welcome the conversation.

Amanda Smith
Director of K-12 Engagement
ajs398@psu.edu