Empowering Students. Shaping the Future.
Civic engagement means taking action to improve your community and be an active participant in democracy. It can include everything from voting, volunteering, attending public meetings, and advocating for change, to helping neighbors and participating in student government.
At Penn State, we believe civic engagement is about more than fulfilling a requirement—it’s about learning how to be a changemaker in your community and beyond.
Register to Vote
Your voice matters–make it heard at the ballot box. Whether you vote at home or in State College, take the first step in shaping the future.
Join a Student Government
Be the change on campus by joining student government. Get involved with the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) or your academic college’s council to represent your peers, propose policies, and enhance the student experience. It's a powerful way to lead, serve, and make your mark at Penn State.
Be Informed about the World
Reading reputable, fact-checked journalism helps you better understand current events, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to conversations in and outside the classroom. Empower yourself with the facts—knowledge is a key part of civic engagement.
Volunteer your Time
Make a difference while gaining meaningful experience. Whether you're passionate about animals, the environment, education, or social justice, there are countless volunteer opportunities in State College and beyond.
Civic Engagement is a Lifelong Practice
Whether you’re writing a letter to a policymaker, attending a town hall, or spending an afternoon picking up trash in your neighborhood—you’re making a difference. Penn State is here to help you start those habits now so they last a lifetime.
Honoring the First Amendement
As a public university, Penn State is committed to upholding its obligation to protect free speech. As a bedrock principle of our democratic society, Penn State fully supports the fundamental right of free speech – even speech that tests the limits of our tolerance.
