For Amanda Smith, the director of K-12 engagement with Penn State Outreach, the mission is simple yet profound: ensure every student recognizes their own limitless potential.
Since joining the Outreach team in 2021, Amanda has acted as a “connector at heart,” bridging the gap between the vast resources of the University and the evolving needs of local school districts. We recently sat down with Amanda to discuss her journey from the classroom to her current role and how she is redefining what it means to reach out into the community.
From Global Classrooms to Local Watersheds
Amanda’s passion for education is rooted in her own time as a Penn State student (Class of 2005). With a dual focus in the Eberly College of Science and the College of Education, her formative years included time in Costa Rica, where she experienced firsthand the power of immersive, global learning. When she stepped into the role of a classroom teacher, Amanda didn’t just lecture from a textbook. She brought the world to her students—and her students to the world.
- Real-World Science: She led students in cleaning local watersheds, immersing students in marine science educational experiences and rainforest expeditions, and even organized trips to witness open-heart surgeries.
- The Long-Term Impact: “Some of those kids are now surgeons today,” Amanda shares. She even had a student discover a new species of fish in Antarctica.
That experience solidified her belief that learners need to understand the “why” behind their education. Today, she brings that same energy to Penn State, seeking new ways for the University to collaborate and provide life-changing opportunities for young learners.
Building Pathways: The K-12 Sustainability Summit
One of the most exciting developments in Amanda’s work is the K-12 Sustainability Summit. This framework isn’t just a meeting; it’s a vision for the future of education. Currently, the program partners with 25 school districts to explore how schools can become more energy-efficient and sustainable.
“We are bringing everyone together so no one feels isolated in their community,” Amanda explains. “Many districts are facing the same challenges without even knowing others are in the same boat.”
A perfect example of this blossoming impact is the work being done with The Arboretum at Penn State. By showing teachers how the Arboretum functions, Outreach has sparked the development of pollinator gardens within local school districts, creating a direct pathway from University expertise to community action.
Acting as a “Concierge” for Success
Outreach at Penn State is unique because it isn’t a one-way street. Amanda views her role as that of a concierge, providing a personalized approach for students and teachers to navigate the University’s ecosystem. Whether it’s helping a teacher find a specific resource or aiding a high schooler in finding an experiential learning project, success is measured by connection:
- For K-12 Students: Seeing that Penn State helped them make a real-world connection between their lessons and their lives.
- For Higher Ed Students: Stepping out of the classroom and into the community to apply their knowledge in a practical, impactful way.
Beyond the Office: A Lifelong Learner
Amanda’s commitment to community doesn’t end when she leaves the office. As a mother to a 13-year-old daughter, she is personally invested in the future of the local school system. She is also deeply involved in local community theatre and finds her own inspiration in nature, echoing the sustainability values she champions at work.
For Amanda, the work is never truly finished because curiosity is constant. As a lifelong learner, she continues to pave the way for the next generation, ensuring that when the community reaches out, Penn State is ready to reach back.
About the Author
Sadie Wilhelm is a senior at Penn State, majoring in advertising with a minor in digital media trends and analytics—and also pursuing her Smeal business certificate. As a proud first-generation college student, Sadie is a member of Tri Alpha, the national honor society for first-gen students. She’s also deeply connected to the campus community through Cru, an on-campus Christian organization where she’s found an incredible support system.
When she’s not hitting the books, you can catch Sadie doodling on her iPad, spending quality time with friends, going on adventures, or living her best life powered by Dunkin’. And when asked what her theme song would be, she confidently chose There She Goes by The La’s.