Office of Community Engagement

We are one community impacting many

The Penn State Berks Office of Community Engagement is responsible for supporting the needs of the campus community as well as external audiences, such as industry partners, businesses, and community members throughout Berks County. Whether you are a community organization looking to host your event at Penn State Berks, or you are a campus entity looking to implement your program in the community, the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) is here to serve.

Supporting the Berks County and regional community

Community outreach and service is a major part of the Penn State Berks Strategic Plan. The OCE serves the larger Berks County community by booking indoor classrooms, outside spaces, meeting spaces, catering, and technology for organizations in need of a place to host an event. The OCE coordinates more than 150 of these community events each academic year. To tour the facilities and/or to check for available rates and dates, please contact the OCE at BK-OCE@psu.edu.

Supporting the Penn State Berks campus community

The OCE supports students, faculty and staff by scheduling all community engaged events that occur on campus outside of classes and club meetings. The office also helps connect the campus community with the external community to execute impactful community engagement projects, earn service hours, get clearances for working with minors, and more.

Mission

The OCE connects Penn State Berks to the local community in fulfillment of the University’s three-part land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service. By building relationships with the community, the OCE hosts community events on campus and facilitates experiential learning and service opportunities with local organizations.

Vision

The OCE strives to serve as a key partner in developing, supporting, and sustaining community collaborations and initiatives while preparing students to become open-minded, global citizens according to the Penn State values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence and Community.