Youth Education Outreach

Recognizing that successful communities and organizations start with young people who are motivated, educated, and excited to learn, Penn State Behrend offers Youth Education Outreach programs. These programs give area youth the opportunity to use the college’s resources to participate in unique and exciting learning experiences.

As the Commonwealth’s largest K-12 effort, we reach over 26,000 students and teachers each year. Industry often partners with us to build a future pipeline of talent which helps both Behrend and the industry partners reach their goals. We develop K-12 outreach events and educational field trips that are designed to engage area youth using fun, interactive, hands-on activities. These events are typically held during the school year and target various age groups and topics.

During the summer months, we host a number of experiences available for K-12 students and teachers.

College for Kids is a summer enrichment program that offers a diverse selection of one-week, age-appropriate classes for children and teenagers from 6 through 14 years of age. The program offers classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or all day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Optional morning and afternoon care also will be available.

LEADS is a free, nonresidential summer program that gives students entering their senior year of high school the experience of taking a college-credit course. LEADS, formerly known as College Experience for Diverse Students/Women in Science and Engineering (CEDS/WISE), stands for Learn, Explore, Advance, Discover, and Succeed. As a LEADS participant, you will:

  • Learn in a college-credit course at Penn State Behrend, studying alongside college students and interacting with professors and other professionals. 
  • Explore potential future careers through virtual field trips, workshops, and lectures from local businesses and organizations.
  • Advance your college career while still in high school. And, if you do well in your LEADS course and decide to apply to Penn State Behrend, you’ll be assured of first-year admission to Behrend once you’ve graduated from high school and completed the Penn State application process.
  • Discover life as a college student, including access to the library, computer systems, learning resources, and campus facilities. 
  • Succeed in your path to becoming a college student, thanks to classroom experiences, career exploration opportunities, and college prep workshops.