Penn State Behrend

At Penn State Behrend, students are preparing for meaningful lives and careers in an environment grounded in academic rigor, inclusiveness, and personalized support. They are building knowledge, strengthening essential skills, and gaining the experiences they need to thrive.

What sets Behrend apart is its vision to be an Open Lab—a living laboratory where learning and discovery are applied to solve real-world problems in partnership with community, business, and industry. This distinctive model creates a consistent flow of talent, technology, and innovation that enhances the student experience, supports external partners, and drives economic and community development across our region.

That’s why giving today matters. On Erie Gives Day, your support of the Behrend Fund provides flexible resources where they are needed most. Your gift helps strengthen academic programs, expand hands-on learning, support student opportunity, and ensure Behrend can respond to emerging needs.

Give today to support the Behrend Fund and help power the talent, innovation, and community impact that define Penn State Behrend.

Be Part of What's Next 

Penn State Behrend is building for more than the present moment. It is looking ahead with purpose—toward a future that is bold, innovative, and deeply connected to the needs of students, our region, and an interconnected world.

Grounded in the Vision of a Behrend Graduate and our identity as an Open Lab, Behrend’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 reflects that forward momentum. It is a vision designed to expand opportunity, spark innovation, and prepare students to lead and contribute in meaningful ways. Supporting Behrend means being part of that future—and helping bring it to life.

Infused with the principles of our Vision of a Behrend Grad and Behrend as an Open Lab, our Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 incorporates five bold commitments:

A High-Impact Academic Portfolio
We will refine our academic portfolio, using data-informed reviews to develop, redesign, reinvest in, or phase out programs to ensure each is mission-aligned and strategically differentiated. We will reinvest in high-growth areas and update programs to focus resources on long-term institutional impact.

The Open Lab Commitment
We guarantee that every student will complete at least one documented Open Lab experience—such as an internship, industry-sponsored research project, or community-based collaboration— before graduation.

National Distinction in Applied Research
We will achieve national recognition in five signature areas that matter to our region, and to the nation—manufacturing and materials innovation, community outreach and mental health, bio-translational and women's health, waterways and Great Lakes health, and business resilience. We will reach $15 million annually in research expenditures, accelerated by the opening of the Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness.

Regional AI Open Lab Innovation Hub
All students will graduate with AI literacy (ethics and basic understanding) and competencies relevant to their specific fields. Behrend will be the region's "go-to" institution for AI knowledge, workforce training, and collaborative projects.

A Top 10% ROI and Career-Mobility Engine
Ranked in the top 10% of institutions nationwide for return on investment, Behrend delivers value that lasts a lifetime. We will expand this advantage to lifelong learners by becoming the premier destination for career-pivoting professionals—offering second-degree options, flexible credentials, and accelerated pathways that build upon existing skills.