UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is the newest member of the LearningWell Coalition, a national network of colleges and universities that promote flourishing in and beyond college.
LearningWell is a coalition of national colleges and universities whose vision is that “every college student should graduate with a sense of identity, belonging, agency and purpose, laying the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing, fulfilling relationships and meaningful work.” Members are committed to transforming higher education to provide training and opportunities that foster lifelong wellbeing, purpose and engagement.
Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) saw that the coalition’s goals matched well with their EMS Academy for Global Experience (EMSAGE) program. Established in 2009, EMSAGE recognizes students who pursue scholarship, service, experiential learning and global literacy achievements beyond their degree requirements.
“Students involved in the EMSAGE program compile experiences that will provide a substantial competitive edge in the global economy,” said Karen Marosi, director of student engagement and associate teaching professor in EMS. “We have found that the students’ significant achievements set them up for success after graduation. This dovetails very well with the mission and vison of the LearningWell Coalition.”
Since 2019, the program has expanded into a peer mentorship community with a spirit of collaborative success. Students develop skills in five core engagement competencies — professional development, multicultural awareness, civic responsibility, systems thinking and ethical reasoning.
With coalition membership, Penn State will evaluate EMSAGE using LearningWell focus areas to improve the current program and expand the scope to create EMSAGE-like programs across Penn State and beyond.
“Our EMSAGE program has evolved from an award given at the end of a student's time at Penn State to a community of students at all stages working to make the most of their education through academic achievements, research, internships, study abroad and leadership in clubs and organizations,” said Yvette Richardson, senior associate dean of undergraduate education and professor of meteorology. “Our focus in EMSAGE is directly aligned with the LearningWell Coalition's elements of a learner-centered education, and this alignment makes us very excited to partner with them!”
LearningWell said that “membership goes beyond EMS and the EMSAGE program. As a member of the LearningWell Coalition, the whole of Penn State will both benefit from and contribute to the network of institutions advancing evidence-based, student-centered approaches that prepare students to flourish.”
“Being a member is really about information sharing,” Marosi said. “We have a great deal we can learn, but we also have so much to give to a coalition like this because we are a multifaceted institution with so many modes of education. We think this membership will be good for all of Penn State.”