Penn State Berks invite the community to see what projects are already happening on campus and contact faculty and staff who are conducting work in your area of interest. These existing projects are also often open to students who wish to participate.
Existing community engagement projects
Berks LaunchBox
The Berks LaunchBox is a space located in downtown Reading's GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, fostering entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region through prototype development, startup guidance, makerspace equipment, and more. The initiative is supported by Invent Penn State.
For more information or to connect with the Berks LaunchBox, ontact Erica Kunkle, director of continuing education, at els5014@psu.edu.
Civic and Community Engagement Minor
The minor in Civic and Community Engagement provides an opportunity for students to extend their education beyond the classroom through engagement in socially meaningful public scholarship in both pre-existing and newly developing community projects. Engaging in "learning-by-doing" allows students to communicate across differences, deliberate public problems, fulfill civic responsibilities, gain insight into personal values and worldviews, develop civic skills including observation and listening, and further develop career interests and professional goals.
For more information or to connect with a student in the civic and community engagement minor, contact Dr. Jill K. Burk, minor coordinator, at jkb20@psu.edu.
FiERCE: Futures in Engineering: Role-Models Can Empower
FiERCE is an engineering mentoring program that connects Penn State Berks engineering students with local middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing engineering degrees or careers.
For more information about the FiERCE program, contact Dr. Marietta Scanlon, associate teaching professor of engineering and Electro-Mechanical Engineering program chair, at mrs35@psu.edu.
The Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Center (CEED) Center
The Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Center (CEED) Center serves Penn State Berks students as an incubator to develop start up ideas. The center endeavors to foster economic growth and development in the Greater Reading area through technology-based solutions, human capital development, and enterprise creation.
For more information about the Flemming CEED Center, contact Dr. Sadan Kulturel, center directory, at sxk70@psu.edu.
Kinesiology
The Penn State Berks Kinesiology hosts National Biomechanics Day, blending kinesiology and engineering for a day of programming for high school students.
For more information about the Kinesiology program, contact Colleen English, associate professor and program chair of Kinesiology, at dck12@psu.edu.
Lead by Example
Lead by Example serves to reengage faculty, staff, and students into the community with in-person opportunities that respond to a community need.
For more information about Lead by Example, Contact Donna Chambers, interim OCE coordinator, at dmc6004@psu.edu.
Engineering Ahead, Can Structure and Math Counts
More information about these programs will be here.
For more information or to connect with these programs, contact Ryan Hassler, associate teaching professor of math and professional math tutor, at rsh14@psu.edu.
Student Clubs
To remain an active club or organization under the Student Government Association, all clubs and organizations are to complete 24 hours of community service per semester.
To connect with one of our student clubs, contact Lilibell Sanchez, assistant director of student leadership, at lqs5108@psu.edu.
Sustainability and Environmental Science*
Penn State Berks has an active and robust Sustainability Council, participating in local cleanups, projects that support the community in their sustainability initiatives, and guiding the campus and local community on sustainable best practices.
For more information or to connect with the Sustainability Council, contact Dr. Mahsa Kazempour, associate professor of science education and Sustainability Council chair, at muk30@psu.edu.
*Dr. Kazempour's environmental science class, BiSci3, conducts Environmental and Community Action Projects (EACAP) every year. Reach out to her to connect with a student for sustainability-based projects!